A Swiss tourist has been sentenced to one year in prison by a court in Bali, Indonesia, after being convicted of insulting Nyepi, the sacred Hindu Day of Silence observed on the island.
The Denpasar District Court found 26-year-old Luzian Andrin Zgraggen guilty under Indonesia’s new criminal code after he posted social media content mocking the religious observance. The court said his actions offended Balinese people, hurt their religious faith and triggered public outrage.
Tourist Posted Videos During Day of Silence
Nyepi marks the Balinese Saka New Year and requires residents and visitors across the predominantly Hindu island to remain indoors for about 24 hours.
During the observance, normal activities are heavily restricted, including travel, work and entertainment. Bali’s airport also closes and internet access is suspended as part of the observance.
Zgraggen posted videos on Instagram showing himself outside and walking towards a beach during Nyepi. In one of the posts, he described the tradition in derogatory terms and used an expletive while referring to the religious observance.
The posts were widely circulated online and attracted strong criticism from Balinese residents.
Arrest Followed Public Complaints
Authorities tracked down Zgraggen following complaints over his social media posts and arrested him at a villa in Legian, near Kuta.
The case was prosecuted under Indonesia’s new criminal code, which contains provisions relating to online content considered to promote hatred or hostility based on religion or belief.
The offence carried a potential prison sentence of up to five years.
Tourist Apologises in Court
During his trial, which began in June, Zgraggen told the court that he had not intended to insult Hinduism or the people of Bali.
He said he had been frustrated and hungry during the shutdown and did not fully understand the extent of the restrictions imposed during Nyepi.
The Swiss national apologised to Balinese residents and said he regretted his actions.
The court nevertheless convicted him and imposed a one-year prison sentence.
Rare Prosecution of Tourist
Foreign and domestic visitors have previously been detained for violating Nyepi restrictions, particularly by venturing outside during the period of silence. However, such incidents have generally been resolved without criminal prosecution.
The case involving Zgraggen therefore represents a notable escalation, particularly because his actions were accompanied by social media posts considered insulting to the religious observance.
Swiss authorities said they were aware of the conviction and that the Swiss Embassy in Jakarta was providing consular assistance to Zgraggen within the limits of its responsibilities.
The case has also renewed attention on the importance of tourists understanding and respecting local religious customs and laws when visiting Bali.
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