Ni Komang Erviani, Denpasar – The Denpasar immigration office in Bali deported on Saturday two Polish nationals accused of ignoring the strictures of Nyepi (Day of Silence) on Wednesday.
They were forced to cancel their plan to continue their backpacking to West Nusa Tenggara and Australia after violating the ban on activities during Nyepi.
During Nyepi, which marks the Caka Lunar New Year, all markets, shops, offices, cafes, bars, restaurants and other public spaces are closed. On the day Balinese Hindus must abstain from four principle activities, namely, amati geni (abstaining from lighting fires), amati karya (abstaining from work), amati lelungan (abstaining from venturing outside the family compound) and amati lelanguan (abstaining from enjoying entertainment).Karol Grabinski, 39, and Barbara Karina Walczak, 24, were found eating their meals on the beach at a bale bengong (open-air wooden hut) on the beach at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday when the pecalang (Balinese traditional guards) patrolled the area.
A video of the couple arguing with the pecalang circulated on social media.
The couple were deported to Krakow, Poland, on Saturday, from Soekarno Hatta International Airport via Abu Dhabi, said Anggiat Napitupulu head of the Bali Law and Human Rights Agency on Sunday.
The agency found the couple had violated immigration provisions that stipulate that foreigners in Indonesian territory must uphold public order and comply with laws and regulations or be subject to deportation and a travel ban. (dre)