Bali Jails Swiss Tourist for Insulting Sacred Day of Silence

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Denpasar: A Bali court convicted Swiss tourist Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, to one year in prison for insulting Nyepi, the Balinese cultural ‘Day of Silence,’ on social media.

Zgraggen posted footage of himself leaving his lodging and walking to a beach during Nyepi, despite being advised of the serious restrictions. He called the practice crazy and used expletives to disparage the festival and its requirements.

Nyepi forces residents and visitors on Bali to stay indoors for 24 hours, with transport, entertainment, and most activities suspended. During the observance, the island's airport is likewise closed.

The posts aroused great indignation among Balinese citizens. Prosecutors wanted a 15-month term, but the Denpasar District Court imposed a year under Indonesia's new criminal code.

During the trial, Zgraggen apologised and stated that he did not aim to offend Hindus or Balinese people. He said that his actions were motivated by frustration and hunger during the shutdown.

The case is exceptional in that tourists who previously violated Nyepi regulations were normally admonished or jailed without being prosecuted.