In a now deleted video, 26-year-old Luzian Andrin Zgraggen recorded himself walking to an empty beach during the Hindu Nyepi festival, describing the surroundings as “crazy”.
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He was arrested in March after the video caused great outrage among local residents on social media, reports the BBC.
Nyepi, also called the Day of Silence, is an annual celebration during which the usually noisy tourist island falls silent – people stay at home and avoid any noise. These restrictions apply to everyone on the island, regardless of their religion, including tourists.
During Nyepi the airport is closed and leaving the house is prohibited
During Nyepi, the island’s airport is closed and internet connection is cut off. Entertainment events are also restricted, and even electricity use is discouraged. Residents usually stock up on food in advance so they can stay home during the celebration.
Local media reported that during this year’s Nyepi celebrations on March 19, L.A. Zgraggen filmed himself breaking the ban on going outside, and accompanied the Instagram post with profanities.
Insulted the Balinese
“What the accused did offended the Balinese people, their faith, and caused public outrage,” said the judge, according to the Associated Press.
During the trial, L.A. Zgraggen stated that he did not understand the extent of the Nyepi restrictions and did not intend to offend the Balinese.
“I deeply regret what I did and apologize to the Balinese people,” his words were quoted in court by the news agency.
Tourists have previously been detained or deported for violating Nyepi restrictions.
Tourist flows in Bali have already recovered after the pandemic downturn. Last year, the island received a record number – seven million visitors from abroad.
However, along with the tourism boom, inappropriate behavior that angers local residents and authorities is also increasing. Foreigners have repeatedly been fined for disrespectful behavior in religious places, creating exclusive tourist enclaves, and ignoring traffic rules, reports the BBC.
Authorities have promised to more strictly monitor tourists arriving on the island and take tough measures against undisciplined foreigners.
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