FINNS Beach Club has officially launched Bali’s first dedicated SAR helicopter with hoist capability, marking a major milestone in the island’s emergency response infrastructure and reinforcing FINNS’ long-term commitment to community safety.

Made possible through funding and support from FINNS Beach Club, the helicopter will be operated by Sayap Garuda Indah (SGI), a Bali-based SAR organization dedicated to saving lives across the island, significantly enhancing rescue readiness, response times, and operational capability across land and sea.

The initiative has been developed in close collaboration with Indonesia’s national SAR agency BASARNAS, confirming strong government support and a shared commitment to strengthening Bali’s emergency response ecosystem, particularly in high-traffic coastal and tourism zones.

Nusa Medica serves as the medical services partner providing medical assistance under the SAR collaboration between SGI and BASARNAS.

The helicopter and partnership were officially unveiled through a landmark launch and media event hosted at FINNS Beach Club’s Elite Rooftop Cabana. The event brings together FINNS, SGI and BASARNAS with the signing of a MOU confirming that BASARNAS is officially working hand in hand with SGI and fully supports the mission.

“Safety is fundamental to everything we do at FINNS,” said Beau Whittington, CEO & Hospitality Leader, FINNS Global (Bali). “Australians make up one of the largest visitor groups to Bali, and with that comes a responsibility to help ensure the island has strong, reliable rescue capability. We are proud to be funding and supporting this helicopter and to be working alongside SGI and BASARNAS to help protect both the local community and the many Australians who choose Bali as their second home.”

“This partnership gives us greater capacity to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations,” said a spokesperson from SGI (Sayap Garuda Indah). “The support from FINNS and the formal backing of BASARNAS directly strengthens our operational capability and allows us to save more lives.”

“BASARNAS fully supports this collaboration and the shared mission to strengthen search and rescue capability in Bali,” said a BASARNAS representative. “Partnerships between government agencies, community organizations, and responsible private sector leaders like FINNS play an important role in enhancing national emergency response outcomes.”