Bali jails Swiss tourist for insulting sacred Day of Silence
The 26-year-old sparked anger with an expletive-laden post about the sacred holiday.
A Swiss visitor to Bali, Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, has received a one-year prison sentence for disrespecting a revered religious observance on the Indonesian resort island.
Zgraggen had recorded himself venturing onto a deserted beach during the Hindu festival of Nyepi, labeling the scene "crazy" in a video that has since been taken down. His arrest in March followed widespread outrage among Balinese social media users sparked by the video.
Nyepi, also known as the Day of Silence, is an annual observance where the typically vibrant tourist island becomes hushed. Residents remain indoors and avoid creating loud noises. These regulations apply to all individuals on the island, including tourists, regardless of their religious beliefs. During Nyepi, the island's airport ceases operations, and internet access is suspended. Entertainment events are prohibited, and even the use of electricity is discouraged. Locals typically purchase groceries in advance of Nyepi to facilitate staying home throughout the holiday.
Local media reported that on Nyepi, which occurred on March 19 this year, Zgraggen filmed himself violating the outdoor ban, posting it on Instagram with expletive-laden captions.
According to the Associated Press, the presiding judge stated, "What the defendant did offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith and provoked public outrage."
During his trial, Zgraggen claimed he did not fully comprehend the scope of Nyepi's restrictions and had no intention of insulting the Balinese. The Associated Press quoted him in court as saying, "I deeply regret what I did, I apologise to the Balinese people."
In the past, tourists have faced detention or deportation for breaching Nyepi regulations.
Bali has seen its tourist numbers rebound beyond its pandemic-induced slowdown, welcoming a record seven million international visitors last year. However, this increase in tourism has also brought about misconduct that has frustrated both locals and Balinese authorities. Foreigners have been penalized for disrespectful actions at religious sites, establishing exclusive tourist areas, and disregarding traffic laws.
Authorities have pledged to intensify their oversight of the island's tourists and to take stricter action against unruly foreigners.