New Indonesian Law Puts Unmarried Tourists at Legal Risk

A sweeping new criminal code has taken effect in Indonesia, making sex and cohabitation outside of marriage illegal for both citizens and foreign visitors. The law, passed by parliament in 2022, officially entered force this week, casting a shadow over the country's popular tourist destinations like Bali.

Prosecution, however, is not automatic. Legal action can only be initiated upon formal complaint from a close relative—a spouse, parent, or child of one of the individuals involved. This provision is seen as a limiting factor in enforcement.

Despite this, the penalties are severe. Those convicted of extramarital sex face up to one year in prison, while unmarried couples living together could receive a six-month sentence. The development has sparked immediate concern within the international travel industry, with operators warning it could deter tourists who had considered Indonesia a relaxed tropical getaway. The law represents a significant shift, aligning the national penal code more closely with conservative religious principles and potentially altering the country's image abroad.