DENPASAR, Indonesia — A court in Bali sentenced a Swiss tourist to one year in prison for violating the island’s sacred Day of Silence, known as Nyepi.
Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, was convicted under Indonesia’s new criminal code for his social media posts during the Hindu observance, which mandates silence, meditation, and staying indoors to honor the tradition.
The Denpasar District Court ruled that Zgraggen shared posts even after villa staff informed him of the restrictions. Presiding Judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima stated, “His actions offended the Balinese community, hurt their faith, and sparked public outrage. He must be held accountable.”
Nyepi, typically observed in March, requires the island to shut down: beaches and streets empty except for patrols, airports closed, and internet services suspended. These rules apply universally, regardless of religion or nationality.
Zgraggen publicly defied the restrictions by posting videos on Instagram and other platforms, showing himself walking on a beach. In the clips, he mocked the tradition, calling it “crazy” and using vulgar language.
His posts went viral, drawing widespread condemnation from Balinese residents who deemed them sacrilegious. Authorities located and arrested him at his Legian villa following public complaints.
During his June trial, Zgraggen claimed he never intended disrespect, citing hunger and frustration over restricted access to food as reasons for his posts. He apologized, stating, “I deeply regret my actions.”
While prior detentions of tourists during Nyepi were typically resolved without charges, this case marked a rare formal prosecution.
