A 26-year-old Swiss tourist has been sentenced to one year in prison in Bali, Indonesia, after making derogatory comments online about the island’s sacred Hindu holiday, Nyepi, also known as the Day of Silence.
A Denpasar court found the man guilty of insulting the traditional observance, during which residents are expected to remain indoors and refrain from work, internet use and entertainment.
The restrictions are strictly enforced across Bali, with roads and beaches largely deserted and even the island’s international airport temporarily closed during the annual observance.
Prosecutors said the tourist had been informed of the rules by staff at his hotel after arriving in Bali in February.
However, he later posted videos on Instagram claiming that he had ignored the restrictions and walked to a beach during Nyepi.
In the videos, he criticised the tradition, describing it as “crazy” and using an expletive.
His posts triggered widespread anger and prompted complaints to the police, leading to his arrest in March.
Presiding judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima said the tourist’s actions had offended local residents, hurt their faith and caused public outrage.
“What the defendant did offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith and provoked public outrage,” the judge said. “The defendant must be held accountable for his actions.”
During his trial in June, the tourist apologised to the Balinese people and said he had not intended to insult their religion or the sacred holiday.
He told the court that he had been hungry and frustrated after being unable to find food during the observance, which influenced his decision to make the posts.
“I deeply regret what I did. I apologize to the Balinese people,” the man said.
The Swiss national has already spent five months in pre-trial detention since his arrest, with that period set to count towards his one-year sentence.
Swiss authorities said they were providing him with consular assistance.
