Tourists allowed to commit adultery in Indonesia, citizens prohibited: Official
Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej, the Deputy Law and Human Rights Minister, on Monday said Indonesia’s newly revised criminal code that prohibits sex outside marriage would not apply to visitors.
The minister said visitors holidaying in Indonesia would not need to worry about possible criminal complaints concerning sex outside marriage or cohabitation between unmarried couples as stipulated in the new law.
“Tourists will not be charged with these provisions, as only the husband or wife, and parents or children (of the alleged offenders) can file the complaints,” said Mr Hiariej.
Last week, the Indonesian parliament unanimously passed a new criminal code that stipulates that sex outside of marriage is punishable by one year in prison and couples who live together out of wedlock would face six months in prison.
The old criminal code will remain applicable until 2025, it said.
The government was in damage control mode following media coverage about the controversial rules’ changes and was trying to reassure tourists that they would not threaten them.
He added that the provisions would prevent the local community, the regional public and other agencies from playing judge by raiding the residences of unmarried couples who live together and accusing them of adultery.
Bali governor, Wayan Koster, said in a statement on Sunday that the provincial administration would ensure visitors’ data or marital status would remain confidential.
Also, there would be no checking of their marital status upon arrival at accommodations on the resort island.
The statements came amid concerns that the criminal code could deter travellers ahead of the Christmas and New Year holiday season on which Bali pinned its hope to revive its tourism sector hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new criminal code was decades in the making and marked a major revision from the previous code that was a legacy from the Dutch colonial era.
Rights advocates criticised the law as intrusive to citizens’ private lives and undermining political and civic freedoms.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Tinubu inherited bad roads, tackling infrastructure deficit headlong, says senatorÂ
The senator said that the administration had been reconstructing existing roads.
States
Police nab eight Gombe suspects over alleged robbery, internet fraud
Mr Abdullahi urged them to report suspicious activities to the security agencies.
NationWide
Non-implementation of master plan responsible for Coastal road flooding: Umahi
Mr Umahi thanked the contractor handling the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Hitech Construction Company Ltd. for efficiency.
NationWide
D’Tigers beat Rwanda 106-62 in World Cup Qualifier
Mr Okoye said, “Going home 3-0 feels amazing, but the job is not done. Representing Nigeria means the world to me, and every opportunity to wear this jersey is a blessing.”
NationWide
Lagos deputy governor, APC state chairmen hail Tinubu’s visionary leadership
Mr Hamzat described Mr Tinubu as an inclusive leader who encouraged innovation and welcomed superior ideas irrespective of their source.
NationWide
2027: Pray for Nigeria, vote credible leaders, ex-Niger CAN chairman urges votersÂ
Mr Echioda urged eligible Nigerians to participate actively by voting for competent, God-fearing, and credible candidates with proven records of service.
