An Australian businessman who boasted of making millions from his property investments in Bali says he has been the target of a smear campaign after claims emerged that he had been banned from entering Indonesia and did not own any homes.
Julian Petroulas, 33, insists he owns the lease rights to 1.1 hectares of land in Indonesia, as well as a popular restaurant, and has been unfairly banned by the country’s immigration officials.
It is understood that Mr Petroulas acquired the leasehold rights to the land more than a year ago from a French national.
He is currently involved in a lawsuit against the individual who sold him the lease rights to the property.
Filed in Denpasar District Court, the lawsuit alleges breaches of contract and ethical violations in the transaction.
Following the filing of the lawsuit, several negative articles have appeared in the media directed at Mr. Petroulas. His legal team suspects these posts are part of a retaliatory smear campaign.
“We view the timing of these articles as suspicious and believe they are intended to damage Julian’s reputation during this legal dispute,” his legal counsel said.
Julian Petroulas, 33, has gained thousands of followers on social media with posts showing his luxurious life on the holiday island.
Petroulas insists he owns the lease rights to 1.1 hectares of land, as well as the fantastic Penny Lane restaurant in Canggu.
Addressing allegations of immigration violations, Petroulas confirmed that he uses a valid Visa on Arrival (VOA) during his visits to Bali.
According to his legal advisor, he uses the visa only for short visits to supervise his investments.
Mr. Petroulas permanently resides in Dubai, not Indonesia, and does not physically manage or conduct any business operations in Bali, making his VOA a legitimate means of entry for his purposes.
“I have always respected the laws and customs of Indonesia and will continue to do so,” he said.
“These accusations are baseless and I am confident that the truth will prevail.”
Petroulas has gained thousands of followers on social media with posts showcasing his luxury lifestyle on the resort island.
“I have owned many villas here in Bali over the past few years,” he said in a video posted to YouTube earlier this year, titled “how to make MILLIONS of dollars in Bali.”
“I started investing here a few years ago and, honestly, it was a gold mine.”
Later in the video, Petroulas showed off a piece of jungle-covered land and described it as “the biggest land purchase I’ve ever made – 1.1 hectares, it’s fucking crazy.”
He also showed viewers his luxurious restaurant in Canggu, called Penny Lane, adding that “this restaurant, right in Bali, makes millions of dollars a year.”
But the Indonesian government has become angry with Petroulas after learning of the videos and coverage of them in the local press.
Saffar M. Godam said Petroulas’ videos had the potential to damage Indonesia’s image as an investment destination.
Petroulas, who lives in Dubai, maintains that he owns leased properties and that the ban is unfair
Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration told Daily Mail Australia this week it had banned Mr Petroulas from entering the country.
Petroulas told Daily Mail Australia on Saturday he owned the lease rights to 1.1 hectares of land and the Penny Lane restaurant elsewhere on the island.
Petroulas said the problem began when he filed a lawsuit in a Balinese court against the French national who sold him the 1.1 hectares, alleging breach of contract.
Since then, negative articles about him had appeared in the local press, which his lawyers believed were part of a “retaliatory smear campaign.”
The Balinese media’s unfounded claims provoked an “emotional response” from the government, Petroulas said.
The Indonesian government never contacted him to verify his property rights before the ban.
“The escalation towards immigration and the subsequent ban are both shocking and disappointing,” he said.
‘This ban sends a worrying message to foreign investors and businessmen who have followed the law and contributed significantly to Indonesia’s economy.
“I hope that the authorities will carefully review the facts and reconsider their actions in light of the evidence, because everything I have done in Indonesia is 100 percent legal and by the books.”
Penny Lane confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that Pertroulas was indeed the owner of the restaurant.
“He is not involved in the day-to-day operations because he lives in the UAE, but he has a stake in the business as a shareholder. We hope the government rectifies this quickly.”