Beach club brawl – The case of an alleged assault involving Australian tourist Mohammed Rifai, 27, was heard at the Denpasar District Court on 29 April 2025. Rifai was charged with assaulting a security guard at Finns Beach Club in Bali on the night of 11 February 2025.
Public Prosecutor Lovi Purnawan stated that the defendant intentionally committed acts of maltreatment that caused serious injuries to the victim, Made Bagus Yohanandita, the head of security at the venue.
“The defendant struck Yohanandita until she lost consciousness,” said Purnawan during the indictment hearing, as reported by Detiknews.
The prosecutor added: “There were lacerations to the head, broken and dislodged teeth, bruises to the victim’s cheeks and lips, and a bloody nose.”
According to the indictment, the incident occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m. in the parking area of Finns Beach Club, located on Jalan Pantai Berawa, Tibubeneng Village.
@dailymailau Police in Bali have launched a manhunt for a group of foreign tourists, including at least one Australian, following a wild melee with security guards at a ritzy beach club on the holiday island. The violent clash erupted in the car park of Finns Beach Club in North Kuta. Police believe the five men are foreign tourists, with one formally identified as an Australian. Police allege the Australian man harassed a woman inside the club before he was evicted and then turned on security. Police allege the Australian resisted the security guards and assaulted them in the car park. #bali #shocking #tourist #beachclub #holiday #crime #crimetok #finnsbeachclub #baliholiday #fyp #dailymail ♬ original sound – Daily Mail Australia
The altercation allegedly began when a foreign national named John Ebid caused a disturbance at the premises. Security personnel escorted Ebid out of the venue, but upon reaching the exit, he reportedly resisted.
When security attempted to remove Ebid, Rifai allegedly intervened and struck Yohanandita in the face, rendering him unconscious.
Prosecutors allege that Rifai and four friends assaulted multiple security staff during the altercation. Rifai is charged under Article 351 paragraph 2 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, with an alternative charge under paragraph 1 of the same article.
Defence Claims Self-Defence; Trial Continues
Rifai’s lawyer, Sabam Antonius, argued that his client acted in self-defence and claimed he was the victim in the incident.
“He only defended himself after he was attacked,” Antonius told reporters outside the courtroom. “My client is the victim.”
He further commented that the role of security personnel should be to safeguard patrons: “Their job is to protect customers, not to be fighting with members in the bar.”
The court scheduled the next session for 8 May 2025, when witness testimonies will be heard. Rifai remains in custody pending further proceedings.
Footage of the beach club brawl circulated on social media shortly after the event, showing a confrontation between five Australian nationals and up to 15 security personnel in the parking area of the beach club.
Bali police subsequently charged eight security guards with group assault relating to the same event.
Rifai’s mother previously spoke to the media during a visit to her son in custody, stating: “They were all fighting in self-defence because they were (allegedly) attacked by security first, that’s all I can say. Security (allegedly) started it and they had to fight back in defence – they were trying to get out of the situation.”
Four other Australians present during the incident have not been charged, and are currently considered witnesses by authorities.
According to reports, four security guards sustained injuries during the altercation. One suffered broken teeth, a fractured nose, and a deep cut to the back of the head.
Another reportedly had a bite wound on his hand and cuts to his arm. Two others experienced bruising and abrasions to the head.
