An American tourist was found violating the strictest regulations in Bali as the island entered Nyepi – a time when almost all activities stop for 24 hours.
Karl Adolf Amrhein, 57, was detained by local security forces on Thursday morning (March 19) after appearing on a main road in Sukawati village at around 7 a.m.
Sukawati police confirmed they had controlled a foreign national from the US for violating Nyepi regulations.
When taken to the station, the man initially pretended he could not speak, then demanded to be released. After further questioning, he finally communicated with the authorities.
He stated he had to leave his hotel in Ubud as his stay had expired and was looking for new accommodation.
According to local police, the man admitted to being forced to leave his previous residence. After processing the case, authorities took him to a nearby villa to stay and issued a warning against further violations.
The incident occurred as Bali authorities have been constantly reminding tourists about the strict nature of Nyepi.
For 24 hours, the entire island is almost "completely shut down": no lights, no sound, no traffic, and no business activities. Flights are also suspended, and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is closed throughout this period.
The regulations apply to everyone on the island, regardless of religion or nationality. Residents and tourists must stay indoors or at their place of accommodation.
Some hotels organize quiet buffets or allow limited activities within the premises, but many places require guests to stay in their rooms and provide room service for meals.
Previously, there was a case of a US tourist being strictly handled in Kuta for going out for a run during Nyepi.
Nyepi is part of a series of rituals lasting about six days for Balinese Hindus, representing silence, contemplation, and purification. According to local belief, absolute silence makes evil forces believe the island is uninhabited, thereby warding off misfortune.
