Bali holidays just gained a new layer of reassurance. Tourists on the island now have access to Bali’s first dedicated search-and-rescue helicopter with hoist capability, boosting emergency response across coastal hotspots.
The aircraft, funded and supported by FINNS Beach Club, will be operated by Sayap Garuda Indah (SGI) – a Bali-based search-and-rescue organisation – in collaboration with Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency, BASARNAS, with medical support from Nusa Medica.
Most importantly for visitors, this means faster response times across beaches and marine zones, where incidents can escalate quickly.
According to FINNS, the helicopter’s hoist capability will enable rescues from cliffs, rough surf and vessels offshore.
“Safety is fundamental to everything we do at FINNS,” FINNS Global (Bali) CEO & Hospitality Leader Beau Whittington said.
“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.”
The helicopter launch was unveiled at FINNS Beach Club, alongside a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) confirming BASARNAS support.
A live ocean rescue simulation demonstrated the aircraft’s operational capability.
“This partnership gives us greater capacity to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations,” an SGI spokesperson remarked.
“The support from FINNS and the formal backing of BASARNAS directly strengthens our operational capability and allows us to save more lives.”
To keep the helicopter mission funded, FINNS, a popular holiday resort, has introduced fundraising initiatives including a dedicated menu that directs proceeds to support search-and-rescue operations.
Despite a recent small decline in arrivals, Indonesia – led by Bali – is Australia’s most popular overseas destination, with over 1 million Aussies landing in the country in 2025. Looking ahead, Bali appears to be similarly targeted for travel.
However, like many hotspots, the island can be a risky place. Last year, a major travel insurer revealed its policy sales to Indonesia rose by 25 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year and surpassed 2019 levels by 50 per cent. Crime, accidents and even animal incidents can make it even more hazardous for the cavalier.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Safety sells, especially in high-volume destinations like Bali. For agents, this investment adds confidence to the pitch. Visible emergency capability strengthens trust, supports premium travel and reinforces Bali’s long-term tourism resilience.
