Indonesia postpones plans to criminalise extramarital sex, as Aussie government updates travel advice

Indonesia postpones plans to criminalise extramarital sex, as Aussie government updates travel advice

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has postponed ratifications to the country’s criminal code which would outlaw extramarital sex and affect those living together outside of marriage.

ABC News has reported that Indonesia’s government had been planning to bring forward a vote on a new and controversial criminal code as early as next week. Among the proposed changes, sex outside of marriage and cohabitation outside of marriage would be made illegal.

There would also be a maximum four-year prison term for women who have an abortion, applicable if there was “no medical emergency” or “rape” involved, according to the news outlet.

At a surprise address on Friday, Widodo (pictured) announced the bill’s passage would be delayed.

“I have ordered the law and human rights minister to convey this decision to parliament, to delay the confirmation of the criminal code bill,” Widodo told a televised news conference, as reported by The Guardian.

The media outlet added the president said the bill needed “further review” after considering input from various groups who objected to parts of it.

At time of writing, nearly 680,000 people have signed a Change.org petition calling on Widodo to step in and stop the bill from being passed.

The Australian government updated its travel advice for Indonesia on 20 September acknowledging the proposal for changes to the criminal code, which it said would affect “foreign residents and visitors, including tourists”.

Smartraveller warned tourists could be charged if the bill passed for, among other offences, “adultery or sex outside of marriage, encompassing all same-sex relations”, with charges only proceeding following a complaint by a spouse, child or parent.

It added that even if the changes to the code were passed by the Indonesian parliament, it would take two years to enforce.

Latest News

  • News
  • Tourism

ATIA announces new appointments

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has announced the appointment of Danielle Russom as vice chair while Jamie Pherous replaced Laura Ruffles as director. The changes follow Laura Ruffles’ resignation from the Board. Laura joined the Board as an alternate director in December 2015, before becoming a full director in July 2019. During her time […]

  • News
  • Partner Content
  • Women In Travel

Women in Travel: Inside Travel Group’s Amanda Highfield on where there’s still work to be done

In travel, the issues around gender equality are complex. Whilst there are plenty of women who work in travel, the demographic of the industry is not always reflected at the top where men still hold a disproportionate number of roles. In this interview with Travel Weekly, Inside Travel Group’s national sales manager Amanda Highfield speaks […]

  • Hotels
  • Travel Agents

Club Med launches Endless Summer Sale offering up to 30% discounts for 2025 summer season

Travel agents are in for a treat as Club Med announces its highly anticipated Endless Summer Sale 2025, offering up to 30 per cent off on luxurious, all-inclusive holidays for next year’s summer season. The sale runs from 17 October to 2 December 2024 and promises unbeatable savings across a selection of Club Med’s sun-kissed […]

  • Hotels

Movenpick launches the 2024 Kilo of Kindness campaign

Movenpick Hotels and Resorts has announced the launch of its 2024 Kilo of Kindness campaign, inviting guests and local communities to contribute food items, clothing, and educational supplies. They have been anchored in the spirit of generosity, and this year, more than 75 hotels and resorts across 30 countries will come together to support their […]

  • Women In Travel

Today is your last chance to enter Travel Weekly’s Women in Travel Awards

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about entering this year’s Women in Travel Awards, then now is your time to make the leap. The Women in Travel Awards highlights the incredible work of women within the travel industry and is open to female-identifying talent across all levels of their careers. It takes just 10 […]

  • Conferences
  • First Nations
  • Tourism

Indigenous tourism drives economic growth: The World Travel & Tourism Council finds

Indigenous tourism is projected to contribute US$67 billion ($AU100 billion) to the global economy by 2034, a landmark World Travel & Tourism Council has found. This economic boom is fuelled by increasing demand for authentic cultural experiences, in countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States, among others. The report showcases the sector’s role […]