A Russian Instagrammer could be facing a £55,000 fine after she posed naked beneath a sacred tree on the Indonesian island of Bali.
Alina, a yoga influencer with more than 16,000 followers, shared the nude snap on Instagram but was quickly reported to local police by entrepreneur Niluh Djelantik.
Alina - who was since apologised - could allegedly face up to six years behind bars for ‘spreading pornography’ under the country’s strict Information and Electronic Transactions Act (ITE).
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According to The Sun, Djelantik was outraged that Alina had posed naked under the 700-year-old tree, which is locally known as kayu putih and considered sacred.
Earlier this week, Djelantik posted Alina’s nude photo to her own Instagram account - which boasts a following of 363,000 - and asked her fans to share any photos of Alina they might have with local authorities.
She wrote, as per Google translate: “[Those] who follow Alina's account, please send photos of her to Mbok for Mbok to hand over to the authorities. Thank you.”
In an update, Djelantik added: “Since this morning, Mbok Niluh has communicated with the leadership of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the Bali Immigration Leader and the Bali Police.
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“The whereabouts of this woman is being investigated by the Immigration Office.”
A weeping paperbark, the tree can be found at the Babakan Temple in Tabanan.
In an apology post, Alina said she was ‘embarrassed’ and had no prior knowledge of the tree’s importance.
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Alina could be seen praying at the base of the tree, this time fully clothed.
Alina explained: “I apologise to all Balinese and Indonesian people, I regret my actions.
"I'm so embarrassed, I didn't mean to offend you in any way, absolutely no knowledge of this place.”
She added: "I just prayed under a tree and went straight to the police station to explain this incident and apologise.”
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A day later, Alina shared a second apology post, in which she pointed to a lack of signage indicating Bali’s sacred spots.
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Alongside a photo of herself praying, the influencer wrote: “I appeal to my friends and all the guests of Bali. I unknowingly made a big mistake for which I regret and I want to tell you so that you don't repeat it.
“There are a lot of sacred places in Bali and not all of them have information signs about it, as in my case. And it is very important to treat these places and traditions with respect."
She added: “And first it is important to find out if it is possible to take photos or videos in this place. I love Bali with all my heart and once again I apologise to all residents of Bali and ask for forgiveness!”
Ranefli Dian Candra, a Tabanan police spokesperson, confirmed to The Sun that Alina had turned herself in but noted that the case will continue.
UNILAD has approached Alina and Djelantik for comment.
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Topics: Social Media
Aisha Nozari