As part of a series of reforms that opponents claim endanger the human rights and freedoms of the Southeast Asian nation, Indonesia’s legislature unanimously approved a comprehensive criminal code on Tuesday that criminalizes sex outside of marriage. Cohabitation before marriage and apostasy are prohibited under the new law, which applies to international residents and visitors. It also imposes penalties for insulting the president or expressing opinions that are incompatible with the dominant ideology.
A conservative movement
Indonesia, the biggest Muslim-majority country in the world, has experienced a rise in religious conservatism recently. In some areas of the nation, such as the semi-autonomous Aceh province where alcohol and gambling are prohibited, strict Islamic regulations are already in effect. In the area, public floggings are also practiced for a variety of acts, such as adultery and homosexuality.
Effects on tourism
Not only have the revisions to the penal code disturbed proponents of human rights who feared that they may strangle individual liberties, members of the travel sector are concerned about how they would affect tourism. The restrictions are anticipated to cause problems for the business sector, particularly for those who frequently host and serve visitors and people from other countries. For instance, Bali, which is largely dependent on tourism, is still recovering from the pandemic downturn that drove visitors away.
The amendment voted on Tuesday makes it such that having sex outside of marriage might result in a year in jail; however, there are limitations on who can file a formal complaint. For instance, it is legal for the parents of children who are living together before getting married to report it.
Critics have stated that the new laws are a violation of people’s personal rights to privacy and a setback for the country’s democracy.
