Tourist sentenced to one year in Bali prison for going outside
A Swiss tourist has been handed a one-year prison sentence in Bali for violating a sacred religious event on the island.
Back in March, traveller Luzian Andrin Zgraggen posted a video of himself walking along an empty beach, describing the scene as 'crazy' and captioning the post with a series of expletives.
The post caused an uproar among locals as it was posted during the sacred holiday of Nyepi, prompting calls for the 26-year-old's arrest.
He was later arrested and recently convicted of insulting religious observance earlier this week at a Denpasar district court and handed a one-year custodial sentence.
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"What the defendant did offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith and provoked public outrage," judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima told Associated Press of the sentence.
"The defendant must be held accountable for his actions."
What is Nyepi?
Also known as the Day of Silence, Nyepi is a sacred Hindu holiday.
Celebrated on the Balinese New Year, which typically falls in March, the holiday is observed on the main island of Bali as well as its smaller, surrounding islands.
Nyepi lasts for a period of 24 hours, from 6am - 6am the following day, and is linked to meditation and self-reflection.
What can't you do during Nyepi?
During Nyepi, the island pretty much shuts down entirely. Shops, businesses, airports and restaurants will be closed, with people stocking up on cash and food ahead of the festival.
It is also prohibited for people to go outside, use electricity and internet access may even be restricted in some areas.
The rules apply to everyone on the island - both tourists and residents - with local law enforcement (known as Pecalang) policing the observance of the tradition.
Anyone found to be breaking the rules will be asked to immediately return to their homes or accommodation. According to Visit Indonesia, most hotels and resorts will make sure tourists are aware of Nyepi and offer alternative activities during the holiday.
During his trial, which began in June, Zgraggen told the court that he hadn't meant to offend locals.
"I deeply regret what I did, I apologise to the Balinese people," Zgraggen said during his defence, adding that he was hungry and frustrated that he wasn't able to get food when he posted.
Zgraggen's sentence comes at a time when Balinese officials are cracking down on tourism on the island, which receives millions of visitors each year.
Everything to know about Bali's 'Day of Silence'
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: Travel, World News
Brenna Cooper