Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has called for temporary closure of Finns Beach Club, citing the venue’s failure to complete its licensing requirements. The popular nightclub, located in Berawa Beach, North Kuta, Badung, Bali, has faces criticism due to incomplete licensing and alleged violations of Balinese cultural values.
The recommendation was announced during a working meeting with Bali’s DPRD Commission I at the DPRD office on Thursday (February 13, 2025). The meeting was also attended by Finns Beach Club management.
Members of Commission I argued that a written warning issued by Bali’s Integrated Supervision and Development Team (TP3) to Finns Beach Club was insufficient, as the club had committed multiple violations.
Lawmakers pointed out that Finns Beach Club lacked several key permits, including a Building Approval Permit (PBG), a Certificate of Feasibility (SLF), and an Environmental Impact Analysis (AMDAL).
Chairman of Commission I, I Nyoman Budi Utama, stressed that operating a business without complete permits was a serious violation. He stated that Finns Beach Club should be shut down until all legal and administrative requirements were met.
“We recommend the temporary closure of Finns Beach Club until the necessary legal and administrative documents are completed in accordance with the law,” Budi Utama said during the meeting on Thursday (Febraury 13, 2025), as reported by Bisnis.
Incomplete Licensing and Cultural Violations
In addition to licensing issues, lawmakers also criticized Finns Beach Club for a fireworks party it hosted in October 2024. The nightclub faced backlash for holding the event while Hindu worshippers were conducting a sacred ritual at Berawa Beach.
Finns Beach Club was accused of disrespecting Hindu religious practices and Balinese customs by organizing a party during an ongoing religious ceremony.
Following the incident, the Badung Regency Government and the Bali Provincial Government conducted an inspection, which revealed Finns Beach Club’s incomplete permits. In response, the provincial government issued a warning letter, giving the club 60 days to comply with licensing requirements.
However, after the deadline passed, Finns Beach Club had still not obtained the required Environmental Impact Approval (AMDAL) from Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK).
Lawmakers argued that such approvals should be secured before opening a business, not after construction and operations have begun.
Finns Beach Club’s Response
Finns Beach Club’s Community Director, I Wayan Asrama, stated that the management was still in the process of completing the required permits. He emphasized that the environmental impact approval (AMDAL) was taking longer than expected.
“As a foreign investment company (PMA), our licensing process is handled in Jakarta. We cannot confirm when it will be completed, as we are still awaiting hearings, and the process is quite lengthy,” Asrama explained, as reported by Detik.
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Regarding the fireworks controversy, Asrama issued an apology to the Balinese community, attributing the incident to negligence. In addition, Finns Beach Club has conducted a guru bendu piduka ritual at Berawa Beach on October 25, 2024, as a spiritual apology for the disruption.
Calls for Government Action
Bali’s Head of Tourism, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, stated that the authority to shut down Finns Beach Club rests with the central government since the club is classified as a foreign investment company (PMA). “We will review the DPRD Bali’s recommendation, but since this is a PMA investment, the authority lies with the central government,” said Pemayun.
Despite this, Bali lawmakers insist that Finns Beach Club should not be allowed to operate until all necessary permits are obtained.
The fate of Finns Beach Club now rests with the central government, as officials weigh the Bali DPRD’s recommendation for a temporary closure. Meanwhile, local authorities continue to push for compliance with licensing regulations and cultural respect, underscoring the delicate balance between tourism, investment, and Bali’s rich traditions.
(Raidi/Agung)
