A Swiss man received a one-year prison sentence from a Denpasar District Court on charges related to violating Indonesia’s criminal code. Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, was convicted for posting social media content about the Day of Silence, a significant observance in Bali’s Hindu tradition.
The Day of Silence, known locally as Nyepi, typically occurs in March and requires people to remain in their homes while refraining from activity and noise. During this period, the island’s beaches and streets become largely empty, the airport closes, and internet service is disconnected. These restrictions apply to all residents and visitors regardless of religious background or nationality.
Zgraggen shared Instagram posts and video content in which he described leaving his accommodation during the observance to visit a beach, characterizing the tradition as “crazy” and using profanity. The posts circulated widely on social media platforms and generated complaints from Balinese residents who viewed them as disrespectful. Authorities located and arrested him at a villa in Legian, a tourist area near Kuta Beach, following public complaints.
During trial proceedings beginning in June, Zgraggen stated he had not intended to insult the holiday or Balinese people. He explained that he created the posts while experiencing hunger and frustration over his inability to obtain food during the shutdown, and claimed insufficient understanding of the restrictions’ scope. He offered an apology to the Balinese people and expressed regret over his actions.
The presiding judge determined that Zgraggen’s conduct offended the community and violated their religious observance. Earlier incidents involving foreign and domestic tourists venturing outside during Nyepi were typically resolved without formal prosecution, distinguishing this case from previous enforcement patterns.
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