Indonesia makes changes to the Criminal Code that may affect tourists

The Indonesian authorities in December plan to amend the criminal code, which may affect tourists.

So, it is planned to make illegal sex and cohabitation outside of marriage, including for foreigners in the country. Violators face a prison term of up to a year. In addition, the authorities want to impose punishment for treason, if one of the spouses files a complaint.

Another innovation is insulting the president (or government departments), for which you can face up to three years in prison.

It will also be prohibited to express any opinions "contrary to the state ideology of Indonesia."

According to the Deputy Minister of Justice of the country, Edward Omar Sharif Kharij, the updated Criminal Code will not threaten democratic freedoms — "we are proud that we have a criminal code that corresponds to Indonesian values."

Opponents of the changes in the Criminal Code are representatives of local businesses, according to whom, the new rules can cause serious damage to the image of the country as a place for recreation and investment.