We recently published a guide on the dos and don’ts during Nyepi (Day of Silence) this week. Some people clearly missed the memo.
In a clip that went viral on social media, two foreigners are seen arguing with several pecalang (Balinese traditional security officers) in Sukawati, Gianyar, after they were caught setting up a tent during the sacred day on Wednesday.
The tent was set up inside a gazebo at Purnama Beach.
As it should be known by everyone – newcomers to Bali and old-timers alike – outdoor activities are strictly prohibited during Nyepi, save for pecalang or others who needs to be out to provide emergency assistance.
The video shows the pecalang attempting to reason with the couple, who were later identified by authorities as being from Poland, and urging them to obey the island’s rules. However, the couple, identified by their initials as KB, 40, and BKW, 25, said that they were backpackers who were low on funds and had to resort to camping out as they could not pay for a hotel.
The Sukawati Police arrested the couple later that day and they were transferred for detention by immigration authorities.
Bali Police spokesman Stefanus Satake Bayu Setianto told Coconuts that the couple insisted that they would not disrupt Nyepi since the tent was set up far from any neighborhood.
“They had planned to go to West Nusa Tenggara via Padang Bai airport before going to Australia,” he said.
The Head of the Bali Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Anggiat Napitulu, said separately that his department will take firm action towards the tourists.
