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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Tamara Davison in Bali

‘A little nerve-racking’: worry and scepticism in Bali over ban on sex outside marriage

people sit under umbrellas in bali
Indonesia has overhauled its criminal code to ban sex outside marriage, prompting fears the changes may hurt tourism in the country, including in Bali. Photograph: Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP/Getty Images

As the sun rose over Canggu, one of Bali’s most popular beach fronts, the mood on Wednesday felt calm. Like any other day in paradise, the water was packed with early morning surfers and the sand littered with beach-goers. This morning, however, was different.

One day earlier, Indonesia’s parliament confirmed that sex outside marriage would be outlawed in a draconian overhaul of the country’s criminal code. The reforms, which are expected to take effect in three years, will include a ban on cohabitation between unmarried couples and would apply to Indonesians and tourists.

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