Swiss Tourist Designated as Suspect for Insulting Nyepi Celebrations in Bali!
Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali) have designated Luzian Andrin Zgraggen as a suspect in the alleged criminal offence of insulting religion and beliefs. The Swiss tourist is suspected of insulting Nyepi Day through a social media post.
The Head of Public Relations of Polda Bali, Senior 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 man initially explained the rule prohibiting wandering outside during Nyepi in Bali.
Luzian then stated that he would not heed the Nyepi rules. The foreign tourist’s post subsequently went viral, triggering 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.
As is known, Nyepi is a sacred day for Hindus observed through Catur Brata Penyepian, namely not travelling, not working, not lighting fires, and not enjoying entertainment. These rules apply to everyone in Bali, including foreign tourists.
Ariasandy explained that Subdit III of Ditresnibcyber Polda Bali immediately tracked the Instagram account owner’s whereabouts 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.
Secured at Ni Luh Djelantik’s Residence
Ariasandy stated that Luzian was secured at the residence of DPD RI member from Bali, Ni Luh Djelantik, located in Mengwi, Badung, before being brought to Polda Bali. A day later, Ni Luh Djelantik filed a report to continue the legal process against Luzian.
After receiving the report, investigators conducted a case review and elevated the case status to investigation. “After the case review, investigators designated the individual as a suspect and carried out arrest and detention,” Ariasandy added.
Ariasandy emphasised that Luzian is currently detained at the Polda Bali 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.
Polda Bali assesses that the criminal elements in this case have been fulfilled, from the act of disseminating content via social media to the content of hate speech against a religious holiday. Police have also seized evidence in the form of one iPhone 16 mobile phone and the suspect’s social media account.