Starting January 2, 2026, a new Criminal Code will come into effect in Indonesia, introducing criminal liability for extramarital affairs and cohabitation without official registration. This law applies not only to citizens of the country but also to foreign tourists, including those vacationing in Bali, as reported by foreign media.
Under the new rules, only certain individuals can initiate criminal proceedings: spouses, parents, or children of the alleged offender. The police do not have the right to initiate such cases independently.
If infidelity is proven, the accused may face a penalty of up to one year in prison.
Approved in December 2022, the new Criminal Code replaces norms that have been in place since the era of Dutch colonial rule and will come into force after a transitional period.
Indonesian authorities emphasize that the new code is part of a departure from colonial legislation and is not intended for mass checks of tourists. However, human rights advocates express concerns about potential restrictions on personal freedoms and the implications for the tourism industry.
The code also introduces criminal liability for blasphemy and apostasy, in addition to the ban on extramarital relations.
Indonesia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Earlier, the country's authorities stated that they do not intend to undermine the tourist image of Bali and other resort regions.
