On 23/3, Swiss tourist Luzian Andrin Zgraggen was arrested and handcuffed in Bali after boasting about going out on Nyepi (Day of Silence) on 19/3.

In a video posted on 20/3, the Swiss tourist repeatedly insulted the holiday and boasted about walking to the beach at midnight without being detected by authorities. The video quickly gained attention and angered locals.

The Bali police cybercrime investigation unit discovered the incident through online tracing. Using professional methods, authorities tracked Zgraggen as he moved from Kuta to Ubud, finally apprehending the tourist at an accommodation in Badung district.

Bali police spokesperson Ariasandy stated, "The suspect is accused of violating Article 301 of Indonesia's 2023 Criminal Code regarding the dissemination of content inciting religious hatred in cyberspace." Zgraggen has been temporarily detained for investigation.

Senator Niluh Djelantik met the Swiss tourist in her private office, explaining that he had offended followers of Hinduism. In response, the tourist stated he disliked the island's regulations.

"So don't come here; Bali is not your home. If you think everything is unfair, I guarantee you will never set foot in Indonesia again," Djelantik said, emphasizing that any foreigner violating the "Day of Silence" regulations faces deportation and permanent blacklisting.

Zgraggen during his arrest. *Photo: Detik*

Nyepi is a significant spiritual and cultural holiday dedicated to contemplation, meditation, and soul purification. This holiday originates from Hinduism, which accounts for about 87% of the island's population.

Bali officials also advise tourists to clearly understand the strictness of this holiday. For 24 hours on one day in March each year, all streets in Bali cease activity to observe Nyepi.

Regulations include a ban on using lights, music, and vehicles. The rules apply to everyone on the island, regardless of religion or nationality. All businesses and public services close, except for emergency services. Air traffic is also completely suspended.

Residents and tourists must remain indoors or within their accommodation. Hotels advise guests on permitted activities; some offer quiet buffets and limit access to resort facilities. Other accommodations require guests to stay strictly in their rooms, providing food delivery services.

This year, a 57-year-old American tourist, Karl Adolf Amrhein, was also temporarily detained by Sukawati village police while walking on the main road at 7 am. Initially, he feigned muteness when interacting with police but later admitted he had to leave his old hotel in Ubud due to an expired room stay and was seeking new accommodation. After being reminded of the rules, Amrhein was escorted to a nearby villa for a temporary stay through the holiday.

Hoai Anh (According to News Au, Jakarta Globe)