No extramarital sex and no insulting Jokowi

Indonesias ’ new criminal code outlawing sex outside marriage and potentially curbing free speech will apply to citizens and foreigners in the country, spurring uncertainty among tourists and expatriates.

Critics have said the new laws infringe on people’s personal lives and attempts to prevent criticism of the government is a setback for the country’s democracy, which could mar its investment climate.

The law could also deter foreign travel, which may undermine economic recovery in tourism-reliant places such as Bali, which are just rebounding since the pandemic.

Here’s what you need to know about the new laws:

What are the new rules on sex outside marriage?

Anyone engaged in sex outside marriage may face up to one year in prison or fines. Anyone cohabiting as husband and wife outside marriage may face up to six months in prison. In both cases, the police can only prosecute people based on official complaints made by their parent, child or spouse.

Does the new code outlaw sex work?

The code does not specify sex work but the ban on extramarital sex would effectively make sex work or prostitution illegal.

What about LGBTQ relationships?

The code would effectively criminalise LGBTQ relationships. The government does not recognise same-sex marriages, so any sexual activity between people of the same gender would be considered extramarital.

When will the new criminal code come into effect?

There will be a three-year transition period until the law is fully in place, as the government must draft implementing regulation. Now that parliament has passed the bill, the next step is for President Joko Widodo — better known as Jokowi — to sign off. He is widely expected to approve it.

How strictly will the rules be enforced?

It is unclear whether couples travelling to Indonesia and staying in hotels will be scrutinised and penalised.

Deputy minister of law and human rights Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej said that authorities would only act if there were a complaint, and raids would not be carried out. The criminal code recognises “living laws”, which includes the strict Shariah legislation, that means local governments across 34 provinces can enact their own laws based on the criminal code.

Will the law be enforced in Bali?

The criminal code applies to the entire country, including Bali, but provinces can enforce their own laws based on the code. The new laws could become controversial there, given the island’s reliance on tourism.

What other contentious laws are in the new code?

Foreigners could run foul of other provisions in the criminal code. It penalises people who insult the president, vice-president and the government. The code also punishes abortion, but makes exceptions when it comes to medical emergencies or rape.

How strong is the opposition to the code?

Small protests have already taken place in the capital city Jakarta. Civil rights organisations are planning to file a legal challenge to the constitutional court.

When parliament introduced its first draft of the bill in 2019, days of violent demonstrations erupted, prompting Jokowi to delay the legislation to get more feedback from the public.