A Swiss tourist, Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, has been sentenced to a year in jail in Bali for insulting a religious observance. Mr Zgraggen was convicted on Thursday, 21 August, at the Denpasar district court under Indonesia's new criminal code.
The conviction follows his arrest earlier this year after he filmed himself walking to an empty beach during Nyepi, Bali's annual day of silence. The court found that Mr Zgraggen made the posts after staff at his villa had explained the restrictions to him. He expressed deep regret for his actions in his defence plea.
Nyepi is a sacred Hindu custom and a new year celebration on the Indonesian island, requiring all individuals, including visitors, to stay indoors and observe silence for approximately 24 hours. This year, Bali was completely shut down from 6am on 19 March to 6am on 20 March. In 2027, Nyepi is scheduled for 8 March.
During Nyepi, Ngurah Rai International Airport is closed, most taxis do not operate, and roads are empty. Shops, businesses, and restaurants are shut, and internet and mobile services may be restricted. Hotels remain open, but guests must stay inside, with outdoor activities and lighting usually limited. Local security officers, known as Pecalang, enforce these rules.