A new law being considered by officials in Bali could criminalize unmarried couples staying in the same hotel room while on vacation, Dip.org.ua reports.
The amendments, filed back in July, would establish penalties of one year in prison for extramarital affairs and up to six months for extramarital cohabitation. So, unmarried tourists can get up to a year in prison for a “holiday romance.”
Hariyadi Sukamdani, chairman of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo), said the provision could undermine the country’s tourism industry. The threat to “criminalize unmarried couples” staying in the same hotel room while on holiday would surely deter tourists, especially foreign visitors, he said.
“This activity belongs to the private sphere and should not be regulated by law or considered a crime,” he stressed.
Supporters of the law explain that only close people will be able to “notify” such a crime, measures will be taken only if the parent, child, or spouses of persons living in the same room file a formal complaint with law enforcement agencies. Complaints from third parties will not be accepted.