Extramarital Sex Banned in Bali. Violation Brings Prison Sentences
As of January 2, a new Criminal Code came into force in Indonesia, adopted back in 2022, replacing colonial-era norms. One of the main changes is the criminalization of sexual relations outside official marriage, as well as cohabitation without marriage registration.
Illustrative photo. Photo: freepik.com
Criminal liability for sexual relations outside marriage in Indonesia theoretically applies not only to citizens of the country but also to foreigners, including those vacationing on the popular resort island of Bali. No special status for it is provided in the law.
As for punishment, those accused of such acts may face up to one year of imprisonment, and for cohabitation — up to six months. However, a case can only be initiated upon a complaint from a spouse, parent, or child of one of the participants, and this rule also applies to foreign tourists.
In addition, the new code provides for penalties for blasphemy, insulting the president and state institutions, and spreading ideologies that contradict state doctrine. Human rights activists criticize the document for vague wording and a threat to civil liberties, while authorities state that the law complies with Indonesia's modern cultural and legal norms.
Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, with an estimated almost 90% of its approximately 270-million population professing Islam. For this reason, it is considered the largest Muslim country in the world.
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