Tourist-Favorite Bali Club Lays Off 157 Staff as High Season Kicks Off
June 25, 2025 | Bali, Indonesia — In a surprising move amid the bustling high tourist season, Bali’s iconic FINNS Recreation Club has announced the layoff of 157 employees. The club, renowned as one of the province’s largest social and recreational venues, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, making the decision notable within Bali’s vibrant tourism industry.
Significant Layoffs Amid a Thriving Tourism Sector
FINNS Recreation Club, a sister venue to the popular FINNS Beach Club located on Berawa Beach in Canggu, confirmed the layoffs earlier this week. The announcement reveals a growing trend as multiple businesses in the Badung Regency, a tourism hotspot including areas like Canggu, Uluwatu, Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak, have recently implemented staff reductions.
Earlier this year, major companies such as PT Coca Cola Bottling Indonesia also laid off dozens of employees, signaling broader changes in Bali’s employment landscape despite ongoing tourist traffic.
Company Statement on Business Shift
Speaking to the media, Wayan Wirawan, Director of PT Bali Mitra Internasional—the operator of FINNS Recreation Club—explained that the layoffs are a direct result of a strategic shift in the company’s business model. Alongside the company’s HR Manager, Kadek Kharisna Gamentra, Wirawan detailed that the club is transitioning its focus from primarily recreation to a more resort-oriented business approach.
“This transition has been underway for the past two years,” Wirawan stated. “The layoffs had been anticipated as part of this business realignment.”
According to Gamentra, many affected employees have opted to pursue entrepreneurial ventures following their departure. The layoffs covered 98 permanent staff, 16 who took early retirement, and 43 contract workers, all of whom were offered severance packages.
Assurances of Compliance and Support
Management emphasized that all labor rights have been fully respected throughout the process, with oversight from the Badung Regency Industry and Manpower Service (Disperinaker) validating the layoffs. Eka Merthawan, a representative from Disperinaker, expressed regret over the situation but reaffirmed the office’s commitment to ensuring fair treatment of all workers.
“We deeply regret the impact on workers and will prioritize social dialogue to protect labor rights,” said Merthawan. He also expressed hope that once FINNS Resort opens—expected within the next two years—the previously laid-off employees would be considered for rehire.
Political and Community Concerns
The layoffs have raised concerns among local government officials. Badung DPRD Chairman, I Gusti Anom Gumanti, questioned the layoffs given the relatively strong tourist arrivals. “Tourism is performing well, so it is puzzling that starred hotels and entertainment venues are cutting staff,” Gumanti noted.
Residents have also voiced frustrations related to changing use of local recreational spaces. Community comments online pointed out closures of popular facilities such as the football field and gym, replaced by new developments like padel courts and water parks.
A New Chapter for FINNS
Despite the current challenges, the FINNS brand is gearing up for a major revival. Their website teases a “bold new era” featuring state-of-the-art fitness and wellness centers, a luxurious spa, premier sports facilities, fine dining, and enhanced leisure options.
A centerpiece of this redevelopment is the upcoming FINNS Bali Resort—a 274-room property set on 1.7 hectares in Berawa. Developed jointly by FINNS Bali and Mirah Investment & Development, the resort will offer exclusive access to all FINNS venues, including the beach club, VIP sections, and the soon-to-launch Empire Day and Night Club.
FINNS Beach Club’s Popularity
As a well-established venue, FINNS Beach Club continues to attract a diverse international clientele. The club reports impressive figures, serving approximately 8,800 drinks daily, including 2,600 handcrafted cocktails and 1,500 beers.
With 17% of international arrivals reportedly visiting FINNS venues, the brand remains a major draw for Bali’s tourism market despite recent setbacks.
The layoffs at FINNS Recreation Club highlight the complex dynamics facing Bali’s tourism-dependent economy, where businesses must balance evolving market strategies with workforce stability. As the island navigates these changes, both the government and local communities continue to advocate for fair labor practices and sustainable development in the sector.
For more updates on Bali’s tourism and business news, stay tuned to The Bali Sun.
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