Eyewitness – MANGUPURA
The ongoing dispute surrounding ‘The Dharma Experience’ has escalated from an internal business conflict into a high-stakes legal battle. What began as a strategic rift between PT Melali Management and Consultancy and CV Buddha Dharma Jaya—fueled by conflicting foreign investor interests—has now culminated in allegations of intimidation, a police report, and a civil lawsuit filed at the Denpasar District Court.
The Confrontation at Pecatu
The atmosphere at Dharma Restaurant on Jalan Labuan Sait, Pecatu, turned hostile on Monday, April 20, 2026, when dozens of unidentified men of “heavy build” reportedly descended upon the premises.
According to police reports, the group was led by an individual identifying himself as Almando, who claimed to represent PT Melali Management and Consultancy. Witnesses allege that the group intended to forcibly take over the building and threatened to change all access locks, sparking immediate panic.
Yulia Wahyuni, the sole owner of CV Buddha Dharma Jaya, claimed she was subjected to verbal abuse and intense pressure in front of staff and patrons. “I was cornered and pressured to hand over vital documents,” Yulia stated through her legal counsel. Under duress, she reportedly surrendered the lease deed to ensure the group’s departure.
The incident was formally reported to the Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali) on April 21, 2026 (Report No: LP/B/345/IV/2026/SPKT/POLDA BALI), citing criminal threats under the 2023 Criminal Code.
Legal Gridlock and Corporate Disputes
Nikolas Johan Kilikily, SH, MH, lead counsel for PT Melali CEO Jake Seaforth Mackenzie and Yulia Wahyuni, clarified that the root of the conflict lies in a fractured partnership with several Australian investors: Peter Wallace Grant (Director), David Bernard Cullen (Commissioner), Dean Charles Morrison (Shareholder), and David James Parry (Consultant).
The legal framework of the business is clear-cut, Kilikily argues:
• Jake Seaforth Mackenzie (PT Melali) owns the building.
• Yulia Wahyuni (CV Buddha Dharma Jaya) is the sole operator and tenant.
”There is a valid legal agreement in place that cannot be unilaterally terminated,” Kilikily stated on Sunday (26/4/2026).
In response to recent corporate maneuvers, Kilikily’s firm has filed a lawsuit (No. 99/C.JSM/G.PMH/IV/2026/KH.NJK&P) at the Denpasar District Court to annul the results of an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (EGMS/RUPSLB) held on April 23, 2026. The lawsuit alleges that the meeting was procedurally flawed and legally invalid.
Allegations of Defamation and Document Forgery
The internal relationship reportedly began to sour in November 2025. Allegations surfaced that consultant David James Parry spread claims that Mackenzie was mismanaging the company and embezzling up to USD 100,000—accusations Mackenzie’s team insists are baseless and lack independent audit backing.
The situation worsened on January 14, 2026, when Mackenzie was purportedly barred from entering his own business premises. Furthermore, Mackenzie’s legal team has raised alarms over a suspected forgery of immigration documents, specifically an Exit Permit Only (EPO) issued in Mackenzie’s name using allegedly falsified data.
Evidence and Testimony
The legal team has compiled a significant dossier of evidence to support their claims, including:
• CCTV footage and mobile phone recordings of the April 20 incident.
• Audio recordings of alleged defamation by David James Parry during board meetings.
• Testimonies from numerous internal staff members and witnesses.
• A video confession regarding the alleged deployment of personnel to monitor Mackenzie’s movements.
”This case is no longer just about internal friction; it is about business governance and the legal certainty required to maintain investor confidence in Bali’s tourism sector,” Kilikily added.
Defense Response
When contacted for comment, Brahmanda Candra, the attorney representing the opposing party, declined to provide a detailed statement. “My apologies, I am currently in a meeting,” he stated briefly.
As quoted by Radar Bali, Monday, April 27, 2026.
Reporter : Daniel Herry
