With a change in the sex laws in Indonesia scheduled, British tourists travelling to Bali are set to be affected, according to the Daily Star. It was reported this week that the South East Asian country, which is majority Muslim, was set to pass new legislation that outlaws sex before marriage.
The laws will not just affect Indonesian citizens, but foreign tourists too, with the deterrent of up to a year in jail for those found breaking the rules. Living with a partner before marriage is also set to be banned with a six-month jail time penalty.
The legislation will apply to all areas of Indonesia, including province Bali, which is a popular tourist destination for Brits due to its stunning beaches, affordable private villas, great food and luxury resorts. Due to this, it attracts hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists – including British singletons and unmarried couples.]
The new laws are expected to be passed on December 15, but could take three years to be enforced. The laws will increase the difficulty for unmarried couples to check into hotel rooms.
Maulana Yusran, deputy chief of Indonesia's tourism industry board said: “Hotels or any accommodation facilities are like second homes for tourists. With the ratification of this criminal code, hotels are now problematic places.”
Couples can reportedly only be prosecuted if reported by a spouse, parent or one of their children, but prior to planning a trip to Bali as an unmarried couple you should check current FCDO advice.
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