A court on the Indonesian resort island of Bali sentenced a Swiss tourist to one year in prison on Thursday for insulting a sacred Balinese Hindu observance. Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, was found guilty of violating Indonesia’s new criminal code by posting social media messages about the Day of Silence, known locally as Nyepi.
During Nyepi, residents and visitors are required to remain home and observe silence. The Denpasar District Court determined that Zgraggen posted the messages even after staff at his villa informed him of the restrictions. Presiding judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima stated that the defendant's actions "offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith and provoked public outrage."
The Day of Silence typically falls in March. On this day, Bali's beaches and streets are emptied, with special patrols ensuring silence. The island's airport ceases operations, and internet services are suspended. The restrictions apply universally, regardless of religion or nationality.
Zgraggen had shared Instagram posts and video clips depicting him defying the restrictions, including walking to a beach and calling the tradition "crazy" with an expletive. These posts were widely shared, leading to condemnation from Balinese residents who viewed them as disrespectful.
Authorities apprehended Zgraggen at a villa in Legian following public complaints. During his trial, which began in June, Zgraggen expressed regret and apologized, stating he did not fully understand the extent of the restrictions and that his posts were made out of hunger and frustration. He claimed he had no intention to insult the holiday or its people.
While foreign and domestic tourists have been detained for venturing out during Nyepi in the past, such incidents were often resolved without prosecution. This case, however, resulted in a prison sentence for Zgraggen.