The new law, dubbed the “Bali bonking ban,” punishes unmarried couples who engage in sexual activity with up to a year in prison, or six months for those who cohabit.
However, the governor of Bali, a popular tourist destination, stated that authorities would not verify the marital status of tourists.
The law is scheduled to go into force in three years, although it may be challenged in court.
After a rise in religious conservatism in the Muslim-majority nation, a slew of amendments to the criminal code have been enacted, including the new law.
Although the restriction on extramarital sex has garnered the greatest attention outside, many Indonesians fear that other aspects of the new code, such as making it illegal to criticize the president or vice-president, would be more destructive.
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The United Nations asserts that the new rules could diminish human rights in Indonesia, whilst Indonesian officials assert that the legislation will safeguard “Indonesian values.”
While Indonesia is still attempting to recover from the terrible Covid pandemic, businesses are concerned that the changes would have a negative impact on the country’s tourism economy by making it a less desirable destination.
More than 16 million people visited Indonesia in 2019.
Although the rule would legally apply to both natives and visitors, officials have attempted to allay concerns that tourists may be penalized.
“Bali is Bali as usual, which is comfortable and secure to visit,” said Wayan Koster, the governor of Bali.
Mr. Koster stated that guests will not be compelled to provide evidence of their marital status upon check-in and that municipal officials will not conduct checks.
The deputy justice minister of Indonesia guaranteed that foreigners would not be prosecuted.
Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej told reporters, “I want to emphasize for foreign tourists, please come to Indonesia because you will not be charged with this item.”
The government also notes that extramarital sex and cohabitation offenses will only be prosecuted if reported by a spouse, parent, or kid under the new criminal law. Officials say that the measure makes it unlikely that tourists will be affected.
