BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – FINNS Beach Club has officially funded and launched Bali’s first search and rescue (SAR) helicopter equipped with hoist technology, a major addition aimed at strengthening emergency response capabilities across coastal areas and high-traffic tourism destinations on the island.
The helicopter, fully financed by FINNS Beach Club, is designed to conduct aerial evacuations without the need to land, allowing faster rescues in difficult terrain and large-scale emergency situations. The aircraft will be operated by Sayap Garuda Indah (SGI), a Bali-based search and rescue organization with extensive experience in land and sea rescue operations.
With the addition of the helicopter, response times and evacuation capacity are expected to improve significantly, particularly in coastal areas and popular tourist zones where access by land or sea can be limited. The initiative was developed in close coordination with the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), highlighting cooperation between the private sector and government authorities to strengthen Bali’s emergency preparedness system.
Medical support during rescue missions will be provided by Nusa Medica, which will work alongside SGI and Basarnas to ensure healthcare assistance during SAR operations.
The launch was marked by an official ceremony and media event held at the Elite Rooftop Cabana of FINNS Beach Club on Friday (6/2). During the event, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Denpasar Class A Search and Rescue Office and SGI, formalizing government support for the helicopter’s operation and joint humanitarian missions.
As part of the launch program, a live sea rescue simulation was conducted. The helicopter performed low-altitude maneuvers and demonstrated hoist operations, showing its ability to evacuate victims directly from the water without landing. The demonstration provided media and invited guests with a clear overview of the rescue technology and aviation safety standards now available in Bali.
A panel discussion involving representatives from FINNS, SGI, and Basarnas also took place, focusing on the importance of cross-sector collaboration in improving safety for both local communities and international visitors. The discussion highlighted a long-term vision to strengthen Bali’s SAR system as a safe and competitive international tourism destination.
FINNS Chief Operating Officer Paul Hussey said safety is a core priority for the company. “Safety is the foundation of everything we do at FINNS. The high number of Australian visitors to Bali brings a moral responsibility for us to help ensure rescue readiness,” he said. He added that FINNS is proud to fund and support the helicopter in cooperation with SGI and Basarnas to protect both residents and tourists.
SGI Chief Commercial Officer Steffen Bay described the collaboration as a strategic step in strengthening emergency preparedness. He said the financial support from FINNS and formal backing from Basarnas would enhance SGI’s operational capacity, enabling faster and more effective responses during emergencies.
Head of the Denpasar Class A Search and Rescue Office, I Nyoman Sidakarya, welcomed FINNS’ initiative and said the MoU reflects a shared commitment to improving emergency response times. According to him, SGI’s Bell 412 helicopter, now equipped with hoist systems, is particularly effective for evacuations in challenging terrain. Basarnas will also deploy specially trained rescue teams to support the aerial operations.
Basarnas expressed appreciation to FINNS Beach Club for its operational support, which allows the SAR helicopter to be dedicated to emergency readiness across Bali Province. With helicopters considered the fastest evacuation option currently available, the collaboration between SGI and Basarnas is expected to improve the speed and effectiveness of SAR and humanitarian missions throughout the island.