Indonesian Minister of Tourism Promises That Tourists Have Nothing to Worry About Regarding the Criminal Code

JAKARTADAILY.ID – The Indonesian government recently passed a new criminal code that criminalizes extramarital sex, among other things, which is likely to deter tourists, however the Minister of Tourism Sandiaga Uno said that tourists have nothing to worry about. 

"Nothing has changed from the current system in the tourism industry. Our focus is to continue improving quality and sustainable tourism," said Sandiaga in a press release on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

Many are calling the code draconian, as it also outlaws criticizing the president, undermining freedom of speech. The Australian government recently released a travel advisory in response to the new laws.

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The Minister of Tourism emphasized that the Government of Indonesia adheres to the guidelines that the private sphere of the public, including tourists, will be guaranteed so that the comfort and security of the private sphere of tourists while traveling in Indonesia is always maintained.

Regarding the ratification of the Draft Criminal Code (RKUHP) by the House of Representatives (DPR) some time ago, Sandiaga said this was a manifestation of the functioning of a constitutional state system whose main objective is to protect the people of Indonesia. And the regulation will only take effect 3 years after being ratified.

In fact, there are no substantive changes related to this article when compared to Article 284 of the old Criminal Code. The difference lies only in the addition of parties entitled to complain.

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The threat of new penalties can apply if there are parties who complain or in other words complaint offenses.

This rule stipulates that the party who can complain is the husband or wife of people bound by marriage. Whereas people who are not bound by marriage are parents or children.

Without complaints by legal persons, no party has the right to take legal action.

Currently, the government together with relevant stakeholders is preparing detailed rules and SOPs for tourism activities that can ensure the safety and comfort of visiting tourists.

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In addition, socialization continues to be carried out not only by the tourism industry but also by domestic tourists and foreign tourists so that there are no misinterpretations or misunderstandings about the Criminal Code.