Swiss tourist Luzian Andrin Zgraggen was sentenced to one year in prison by Denpasar District Court on August 20 for insulting Bali’s sacred Hindu Day of Silence, known as Nyepi, through social media posts that showed him breaking local restrictions [1, 2, 3].
Nyepi is a strict Balinese Hindu holiday during which everyone on the island, including tourists, must stay home and refrain from making noise. The island shuts down airports, internet, and entertainment events as part of the observance [1, 2].
On March 19, Zgraggen filmed himself walking outdoors during Nyepi, violating the ban, and posted the videos on Instagram with profane comments boasting about defying the restrictions [1, 2, 3]. Despite being informed of the restrictions by staff at his villa beforehand, he still chose to disregard them, court findings showed [2].
Presiding judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima said, "What the defendant did offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith and provoked public outrage. The defendant must be held accountable for his actions" [2].
In court, Zgraggen apologized and said he did not understand the extent of the restrictions. He expressed deep regret to the Balinese people [1].
Bali has seen a surge in tourists since the pandemic, reaching 7 million international visitors last year. This growth has raised concerns about some foreigners disregarding local customs and laws [1].
Zgraggen was arrested in March following public outrage over his social media posts [1]. His sentencing marks a firm stance by local authorities against violations of cultural and religious practices.
Zgraggen is expected to serve the full one-year prison term imposed by the court.
