Indonesia, a favourite holiday destination for beach-seekers, spiritual types, divers and surfers, has passed dramatic new legislation that will ban sex and cohabitation outside of marriage.
The country, made up of more than 17,000 islands between the Indian Ocean and South China Sea, is popular for visits to islands such as Bali – generally thought of as a liberal, tourist-welcoming destination – as well as diving hotspot Raja Ampat, and Komodo, home to the “Komodo dragon” lizard.
However, the Republic of Indonesia’s new criminal code, passed on 6 December, will make sex outside of marriage punishable by up to one year in jail.
It will also ban couples living together outside of marriage, and prohibit insulting the president or expressing ideas contrary to government policy.
When the legislation was first drafted in 2019, it provoked nationwide outrage and resulted in protests. However, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country has gradually become more conservative and rejected the former policies of colonisers such as the Netherlands.
Deputy justice minister, Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej, told Reuters last week: “We’re proud to have a criminal code that’s in line with Indonesian values.”
So what does this mean for a future holiday to Indonesia’s beautiful islands?
Here’s everything you need to know about the changes to the country’s laws.
When do the new laws come into effect?
The new criminal code will not be enforced for three years – in late 2025 – authorities have reported. This is to allow for legislation to be implemented across the widely scattered nation.
This means it is unlikely that holidays booked for the next year or two will be affected, and travellers should experience Indonesia as they have in previous years.
A specific 2025 date and month has yet to be announced for the criminal code to be officially in place. The Independent has contacted Indonesia tourism representatives for comment.
Does the code apply to locals only, or tourists too?
It will apply to residents and visitors to the islands alike, though its unclear at present how tourist behaviour will be tracked or reported on.
The Independent’s travel correspondent, Simon Calder, says: “From what I have read about the proposed law banning sex outside marriage, it appears targeted specifically at people who live in Indonesia. Prosecutions…
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