Indonesia Makes Sex Outside Marriage A Criminal Offence

Indonesia's parliament has overhauled the country's criminal code to outlaw sex outside marriage and to curtail free speech in a dramatic setback to freedom in the world's third-largest democracy.

- Lorcan Lovett, Oliver Holmes

Passed with support from all political parties, the draconian legislation has shocked not only rights activists but also the country's booming tourism sector, which relies on a stream of visitors to its tropical islands.

Newspapers in Australia have labelled the legislation the "Bali bonk ban" as the law will apply to Indonesians and visiting foreigners. More than 1 million Australians visit Indonesia each year, with many heading to Bali for its yoga retreats, surfing and all-night beach parties.

Maulana Yusran, the deputy chief of Indonesia's tourism industry board, said the code was "totally counterproductive" and introduced just as the country was trying to recover from the pandemic.

Rights groups have long protested against the code, which also outlaws unsanctioned public demonstrations and blasphemy.