Indonesian officials dismiss tourist concerns over new extramarital sex ban

Indonesian officials are trying to ease concerns among foreign tourists about a recently revised criminal code that includes a ban on sex or cohabitation outside marriage. The controversial law passed on December 6, 2022, is enforceable against locals and tourists alike. The governor of the island of Bali, Indonesia’s main tourist draw, dismissed fears that the revision would scare tourists away, insisting that visitors would not be affected at all.