A tourist has been sentenced to a year in prison in Bali after posting social media videos mocking the island’s sacred Day of Silence.
The case underlines Indonesia’s increasingly tough approach towards foreign visitors who break local laws and abuse the conditions of their visas.
Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, was found guilty by the Denpasar District Court of violating Indonesia’s new criminal code after posting videos on Instagram during Nyepi, Bali’s annual Hindu Day of Silence.
The court heard that Zgraggen had been told about the restrictions by staff at the villa where he was staying but nevertheless left the property and walked to a beach.
In videos later shared online, the Swiss national filmed himself during the sacred observance and described the tradition as “crazy”, while also using an expletive.
The posts sparked widespread anger among Balinese residents and prompted complaints to authorities.
Presiding judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima said Zgraggen’s actions had offended Balinese people, hurt their religious beliefs and provoked public outrage.
Nyepi, which marks the Balinese New Year, brings much of the island to a standstill.
Residents and visitors are expected to remain indoors, while streets and beaches are largely deserted. Bali’s airport closes for 24 hours and internet services are also shut down. The rules apply to everyone on the island, regardless of nationality or religion.
During his trial, Zgraggen apologised and said he had not intended to insult the Balinese people or their religious traditions. He told the court he had been hungry and frustrated during the shutdown and had not fully understood the restrictions.
The case comes as Bali authorities step up enforcement against foreigners accused of disrespecting local culture, behaving badly or using tourist visas to undertake work.
Immigration authorities have increasingly targeted visitors accused of abusing visa conditions, including foreigners working as tour guides, fitness instructors and online entrepreneurs without the appropriate permits.
Bali has also deported visitors found to be working while travelling on tourism only visas. In the first six months of 2026, authorities deported 342 foreigners amid the broader enforcement campaign.
The crackdown has particular implications for influencers and content creators.
Simply posting holiday photos is not the issue, but authorities have warned that generating income through online content or other commercial activities while in Indonesia may breach the conditions of a visitor visa if the person does not hold the appropriate immigration status or work authorisation.
