Tourist, 26, sentenced to a year in Bali prison after breaking ‘Day of Silence’ rules
A Swiss tourist is serving a year-long sentence in Bali for breaking the rules of a sacred religious event that is held on the Indonesian island every year.
Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, had filmed himself in a now-deleted social media video walking to an empty beach during the Hindu holiday of Nyepi, describing the scene as 'crazy'.
The Swiss construction worker had posted the video on March 19 during Nyepi, also known as the 'Day of Silence', a 24-hour period which requires locals and tourists to remain in their homes or hotels, keep lights dim, minimize noise and perform quiet meditation.
During Nyepi, the island's airport shuts down and internet access is restricted, as well as entertainment events and the use of electricity.
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Court documents seen by the New York Times state that Zgraggen had arrived in Bali on February 10 for a vacation, and that before the Day of Silence in March, hotel staff had explaigfrtvned the relevant restrictions.
Prosecutors allege that Zgraggen became frustrated that he could not leave the hotel to find food, and 'displayed his anger' on social media.
One video showed him walking in the dark with a caption that said it was 'pretty peaceful outside', followed by an expletive about the rules around the religious holiday.
Though Zgraggen quickly deleted his social media posts after garnering hundreds of negative comments, they were screen-recorded and shared across other social media platforms, leading the Swiss national to re-upload the video with the caption: "They want smoke," slang for a fight or argument, according to the indictment.
He was arrested after he reached out to a senator in the Indonesian Regional Representative Council to apologize, with his trial beginning in June.
During his trial, Zgraggen insisted he did not understand the extent of Nyepi restrictions, and did not mean to insult the Balinese.
"I deeply regret what I did, I apologise to the Balinese people," the Associated Press reported him as saying in court.
Despite Zgraggen expressing remorse, on August 20, he was sentenced to one year in prison in the Indonesian island.
"What the defendant did offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith and provoked public outrage," presiding judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima said.
"The defendant must be held accountable for his actions."
Zgraggen is far from the first to be punished for violating Nyepi restrictions, with tourists having previously been detained or deported for doing so.
Everything to know about Bali's 'Day of Silence'
The key event in the Saka New Year calendar is observed following the new moon in March.
Every year, Bali comes to a standstill for 24 hours, with no lights, music, and noise. Transport is halted, and everyone must stay at home - both locals and tourists - as it is intended to be a time for reflection, meditation, and self-purification.
For tourists visiting during the Day of Silence, Viceroy Bali resort lays out the following rules to follow:
- Remain in your hotel or accommodation. You will not be allowed outside, even for a short walk. This step is known as Amati Lelunganan, which means refraining from leaving the house or travelling.
- Try to keep your noise and lighting to a minimum to maintain a tranquil atmosphere. You should avoid speaking on electronic devices, conversing, or participating in loud activities.
- No work-related activity is allowed, which means you cannot go to the beach or engage in recreation. Instead, try to enjoy the serene atmosphere, a step known as Amati Karya, which means refraining from working or physical activity.
- Refrain from entertainment and pleasure. This step is known as Catur Brata Penyepian, and it is an essential aspect of Nyepi that is observed with great reverence and dedication by the Balinese.
- It's vital to respect Nyepi and everything it means to the Balinese Hindus. Make sure you plan to have enough supplies, and do everything you can to ensure you do not disrupt the holiday. Be mindful of changes in check-in and check-out times, too.
The resort urges tourists to take time to meditate, reflect, and embrace the peacefulness of the day, as well as making sure to ask for permission before taking pictures, and to respect the sacredness of the rituals.
Topics: World News, Religion, Crime
Emily Puckering