A month after a fireworks display disrupted a Hindu religious ceremony, Bali’s Integrated Supervision and Development Team (TP3) has issued an official reprimand to FINNS Beach Club, revealing a series of broader business violations by the popular venue.
The letter, sent on Nov. 22, highlights cultural insensitivity as well as regulatory breaches uncovered during the investigation of the Oct. 13 incident, in which fireworks launched during a Hindu mapuja ceremony disturbed worshippers and sparked public outrage across Bali.
Cultural Insensitivity and Regulatory Breaches
The written notice cited FINNS Beach Club’s “disrespect and disruption” of the sacred Hindu mapuja ceremony. The club’s management has been accused of showing insensitivity toward local customs by launching fireworks during a priest’s puja (prayer) ritual, disturbing worshippers and causing distress among Balinese residents.
In a public statement, TP3 Chair Dewa Made Indra emphasized, “This action deeply hurt the Balinese community’s feelings and violated the principle of Bali’s culture-centered tourism.”
The reprimand also highlights that the club’s daily fireworks, held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. between May 19 and Oct. 15, 2024, clash with Bali’s tourism values and lacked the necessary permits. FINNS Beach Club reportedly launched the displays from public beach areas without authorization, further aggravating local residents.
Building Code Violations and Overcrowding
In addition to cultural breaches, TP3’s investigation uncovered numerous permit-related violations at FINNS Beach Club.
The club has not updated its Confirmation of Space Utilization Activities (KKKPR), leading to land-use conflicts. For instance, Flippas, a bamboo restaurant on the premises, occupies a zone designated as a green space, violating zoning regulations.
The club’s Building Permit (IMB), issued in 2016, does not match the existing structure, and management has yet to obtain mandatory approvals such as the Building Approval (PBG) and Certificate of Worthiness (SLF).
Additionally, the restaurant seating capacity has more than doubled from its licensed limit of 200 seats to over 500, breaching environmental permits and overcrowding guidelines.
TP3’s Warning and Compliance Deadline
In response to these violations, TP3 has ordered Finns Beach Club to adjust its operations to respect Bali’s cultural and religious practices.
The club is required to complete all necessary permits and rectify non-compliance issues within 60 working days. Management must also provide regular written updates on its progress toward regulatory compliance to the TP3 Chair.
Failure to comply could lead to further sanctions under Indonesian law.
As Bali’s tourism sector faces mounting scrutiny over its alignment with local culture, the controversy surrounding Finns Beach Club emphasizes the growing demand for tourism businesses to honor the island’s unique social and spiritual values.
