Bali Strengthens Zero Tolerance Approach to Disrespectful Tourists
Bali is one of the most culturally generous destinations on earth.
As an island where traditional culture is a living, breathing part of everyday life rather than a relic of the past, Bali actively invites tourists to engage with its culture and experience the local way of life firsthand.
This is one of the biggest draws for tourists and travelers to the island; however, some people choose to disrespect that generosity.
Bali has, for many years, been open about its zero-tolerance approach to cultural disrespect. From tourists posing nude atop sacred volcanoes to drunken fights in nightclubs, racing in the streets, and dishonouring temple etiquette, Bali is quick to punish those found to be disrespecting the way of life on the island.
Last week, Bali celebrated Nyepi, the holy day of silence, and just days later, Indonesia nationally observed the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr. This is a deeply spiritual and reverent time in Bali and around Indonesia. It is a time that most tourists feel more privileged than usual to be able to explore the land; however, some foreigners stepped way out of line.
Leaders and communities in Bali showed once again their seriousness in committing to a zero-tolerance approach to foreigners behaving badly and outright disrespecting local culture. There were several noteworthy incidents of cultural disrespect over the Nypei and Eid al-Fitr period in Bali, but the one that attracted the most attention was an incident involving a Swiss national on Instagram.
The man in question, who is being referred to by officials only by his initials LAZ, has been arrested and is pending further investigation, after posting a tirade of abusive language regarding the day of silence on an Instagram post. In the video, LAZ was also seen breaking the rules of Nyepi by leaving his accommodation.
The incident caught the attention of Bali Senator Ni Luh Djelantik, who helped escalate the issue to the attention of the authorities. Head of Public Relations (Kabid Humas) of the Bali Police, Senior Commissioner Ariasandy, told reporters, “LAZ has been named a suspect in a case of hatred or hostility towards a group or groups based on religion or belief in Indonesia.”
He added, “The story posted by the perpetrator shows hatred towards Nyepi, a Hindu holiday in Indonesia.”
He explained, “The perpetrator’s aim in posting this on social media was to make the contents of the writing, images, or recordings known to the general public.”
LAZ was charged with Article 300 and Article 301 paragraph (1) of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code and faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison.
This was not the only incident of cultural disrespect that was posted online during Nyepi. Turkish national Alptuğ Kaya is facing a backlash after posting an offensive and derogatory video of an Ogoh Ogoh statue on the island.
Though Kaya has since posted an apology video claiming he did not know about the tradition of Ogoh Ogoh in Bali, his comments seemingly come too little too late, as Senator Djelantik and other public figures have been calling for the Indonesian Immigration to follow up on the situation.
While these incidents have caught the attention of both the authorities, local communities, and tourists in Bali, it remains the case that the vast majority of tourists visiting Bali are culturally respectful and approach what is unknown to them about the culture with openness and curiosity.
Bali remains a safe and welcoming destination for foreigners, and it is important for all who visit to take the time to learn a little about the culture prior to visiting, as well as make a commitment to honouring the culture during their stay. The list of Bali Do’s and Don’ts is as relevant now as it was when it was first published.
As one social media user shared under one of the controversial viral videos, “Bali gives tourists 364 days in a year to enjoy beaches, parties, travel, business, and freedom. They only ask for 1 day Nyepi —24 hours of silence, prayer, and respect. Just 1 day out of 365 days.”
“Travel, enjoy, learn, but always respect the place that welcomes you. 364 days for us, 1 day for them, that is not too much to ask. Be a good human. Be respectful everywhere you go.” Here at The Bali Sun, we’re inclined to agree.
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