A recent Bali brawl at Finns Beach Club in Bali on February 11, 2025, has led to the identification of 9 suspects by Bali police, including 8 security guards and 1 Australian national. The incident, which involved both foreign nationals and the security staff, is being investigated by the Bali Police.
The altercation took place at Finns Beach Club, located on Jalan Pantai Berawa, Canggu, in North Kuta, Badung, Bali. Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya explained that the foreign nationals and the security guards reported each other to the police, each claiming to be the victim.
“The foreigners reported Finns Beach Club security to the Badung Police, while the security guards reported the foreigners to the Bali Police Ditreskrimum,” said Adityajaya.
Bali Brawl: The Sequence of Events
According to police reports, the brawl began when a security guard at Finns Beach Club, I Made Bagus Yohanandita, was assaulted by 30-year-old Australian, Muhamed Rifai. The two were involved in the larger dispute, which involved 18 people in total.
Yohanandita, the security guard, was punched by Rifai in front of the club’s parking lot, causing him to lose consciousness. He suffered facial injuries, a bleeding lip, and damage to his teeth, as well as a cut to the back of his head.
Rifai and his partner, JE, claimed that they were first attacked by security guards. According to Rifai, security guards beat and kicked them, with JE trying to intervene. “The victim was then crimped and kicked until he fell, and one of the perpetrators stomped on his feet,” Rifai stated. “The victim was then taken to the staff parking lot.”
On the other hand, security staff reported that Rifai and his group caused trouble at table number 401. A Singaporean foreigner seated at table 402 was reportedly disturbed by their behaviour, prompting security to intervene. The situation escalated when JE choked the Singaporean guest. Security then asked the couple to leave the premises, but instead, Rifai became aggressive and attacked security guard GL.
According to security, the situation worsened when three of Rifai’s friends—JR, ZR, and RR—arrived at the parking lot, causing more disturbance. When security attempted to handle the situation, Rifai attacked security guard I Made Bagus Yohanandita, hitting him in the face, and causing him to fall and lose consciousness.
The Aftermath
After the altercation, the foreign nationals fled the scene without paying their bill. They later reported the incident to the Bali Police. The police investigation revealed that there were initially 12 individuals suspected of participating in the assault, but after further questioning, only 8 security guards were identified as the main perpetrators.
As reported by Detiknews, Badung Police Chief, AKBP Arif M Batubara, clarified, “Initially, 12 people were suspected of the beating from the security. However, after conducting an investigation, it was found that only eight security guards were involved in the physical assaults.”
Charges and Legal Consequences
The eight security guards have been charged under Article 170, Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code for assault, which carries a penalty of up to 5.5 years in prison.
As for Rifai, he faces charges under Article 351, Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code for causing serious injuries through assault, and he could face up to 5 years in prison.
According to Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya, the motive for the fight appears to be a misunderstanding between the parties involved.
“We believe it was a case of miscommunication that escalated into violence,” he said.
This Bali brawl highlights the potential dangers that can arise from such misunderstandings and the importance of maintaining peace and respect in public spaces.