Indonesia Assures Foreign Tourists’ Privacy despite Newly Revised Criminal Code

KOMPAS.com – Foreign tourists should not hesitate to visit Indonesia despite the approval of the newly revised Criminal Code, which includes measures that can criminalize sex outside of marriage and ban cohabitation between unmarried couples.

This was said by Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno in his statement last week.

"Nothing has changed in the tourism industry. Our focus is to continue to improve quality and sustainable tourism," Sandiaga said.

Under the bill, sex outside of marriage is punishable by one year in prison, and cohabitation between unmarried couples could face six months in jail. However, a family member should file a complaint before police can further investigate such acts.

Also read: Indonesia Passes Criminal Code Banning Sex Outside Marriage

Although the criminal code has been ratified, it will not go into effect for three years.

Foreign tourist’s privacy assured

The minister assured that the government would guarantee the privacy of foreign tourists, including comfortableness and security.

"Actually, there are no substantive changes related to the article [on adultery] when compared to Article 284 of the old Criminal Code," he said.

The difference, he added, only lies in the addition of parties entitled to file a complaint. Police can open a criminal probe if a spouse, parent or child of the victim reports such acts.