Misconduct of Swiss Tourist Insulting Nyepi in Bali Leads to Suspect Status

Luzian Andrin Zgraggen has been officially designated as a suspect in the case of alleged criminal defamation against religion and beliefs. The Swiss tourist is suspected of insulting Nyepi Day through a post on social media. Head of Public Relations for Bali Regional Police, Commissioner Ariasandy, revealed that the suspect designation followed a series of investigations culminating in a case review on Saturday (21/3). The handling of this case began with a cyber patrol that discovered the post on the Instagram account @luzzysun. “From the cyber patrol results, a post containing elements of insult to Nyepi Day was found. Profiling was then conducted to identify the account owner,” Ariasandy told detikBali on Sunday (22/3/2026). In his post, Luzian wrote a harshly toned sentence regarding the observance of Nyepi in Bali. The Swiss tourist initially mentioned the rule prohibiting wandering outside during Nyepi in Bali. He then stated that he would not heed that Nyepi rule. Consequently, the foreign tourist’s post went viral, sparking strong reactions from netizens. “A day of silence where you’re not allowed to go outside in Bali is pretty peaceful outside :), fuck Nyepi day and fuck your rules too.” This was Luzian’s Instagram post. Ariasandy explained that the Cyber Crime Subdirectorate III of Bali Regional Police immediately tracked the location of the Instagram account owner after his identity was revealed. Officers even tailed Luzian’s movements from the Kuta area to Ubud. “The team conducted tracing and tailing until the individual was secured for further processing,” he added. Luzian was secured at the residence of DPD RI member from Bali, Ni Luh Djelantik, located in Mengwi, Badung, before being taken to Bali Regional Police headquarters. Ni Luh Djelantik then filed a report to continue the legal process a day later, on Saturday (21/3). After receiving the report, investigators conducted a case review and elevated the case status to investigation. “Following the case review, investigators designated the individual as a suspect and carried out an arrest and detention,” Ariasandy added. Ariasandy emphasised that Luzian is currently detained at the Bali Regional Police detention centre to undergo further legal proceedings. The foreigner is charged under Article 301 paragraph (1) of Law Number 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code regarding the dissemination of content containing elements of insult to religion or beliefs through information technology means. Bali Regional Police assess that the criminal elements in this case have been fulfilled, from the act of spreading content via social media to the content’s hate speech against a religious holiday. Police have also seized evidence consisting of one iPhone 16 mobile phone and the suspect’s social media account. The article charged against Luzian regulates the dissemination of content containing insulting elements through information technology means. Bali Regional Police investigators deem the criminal elements in the case involving the Swiss tourist to have been fulfilled. Additionally, Luzian is suspected of violating Article 300 letter b of the Criminal Code. His post is considered to contain hate speech or enmity towards groups or communities based on religion or beliefs in Indonesia. Response from PHDI Bali Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) Bali has responded to Luzian’s suspect designation. PHDI Bali Chairman, I Nyoman Kenak, appreciated the swift action by law enforcement in handling the case. “We view it as good and deserve to give appreciation to law enforcement officials who have investigated this matter,” Kenak said when contacted by detikBali on Sunday. According to Kenak, legal action is important as a form of protection for Bali’s religious and cultural values, which are sacred in nature. According to Kenak, violations of the Catur Brata Penyepian still frequently occur, especially by those who do not fully understand the meaning of Nyepi. Each customary village, as a small-level government, actually has the authority to monitor its area. Kenak emphasised that supervision during Nyepi is not only the responsibility of state apparatus but also a strategic role of customary villages as guardians of social order at the local level. “The social aspect with authority is the customary village, and of course, law enforcement is the apparatus,” Kenak added. Kenak hopes this case serves as a lesson for foreign tourists and the public at large to better respect Bali’s local wisdom, especially in observing sacred religious days like Nyepi, which is carried out with full devotion.