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As travelers venture overseas, they must always be aware of the legal landscapes that await them. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade underscores this point by reminding Australians that while abroad, they are bound by the local laws and penalties of the countries they visit, even those that may seem severe by their home standards.
In a notable case, Indonesia, a popular destination that welcomed 1.31 million international visitors in May 2025, has recently revised its criminal code. These amendments, which were first introduced by the country’s parliament in 2022 and officially ratified in November 2023, bring significant changes to the legal framework.
Among the most discussed revisions are the new penalties concerning personal relationships. Specifically, the laws now impose sanctions on cohabitation, adultery, and sexual relations outside of marriage between a man and a woman. These changes are part of a broader overhaul aimed at aligning legal practices with traditional values.
In addition to regulations on personal conduct, the revised code also addresses a variety of other areas. It includes prohibitions on black magic, a ban on insulting the president or state institutions, restrictions on spreading ideas that counter state ideology, and requirements for notifying authorities before holding protests.
For those planning to visit Indonesia, it is crucial to stay informed about these legal changes, as ignorance of the law is unlikely to be accepted as an excuse. This serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the regulations of countries we choose to explore.
Overseas arrivals and departures data released in September suggested Indonesia was the leading destination country for Australians travelling overseas in the 2024-2025 financial year, accounting for 14.2 per cent of overseas trips.
Criminal code faces some local backlash
According to Human Rights Watch, Indonesia has millions of couples without marriage certificates who will be breaking the law, especially Indigenous peoples or Muslims in rural areas who married only using Islamic ceremonies.
Indonesian activists hold up posters during a rally against Indonesia’s new criminal law back in 2022. Source: AP / Slamet Riyadi
Activists and experts have also warned that the complaints process will disproportionately impact women and LGBTIQ+ people, who are more likely to be reported by husbands for adultery or by families for relationships they disapprove of.
