Indonesia’s parliament is expected to pass a new criminal law this month that will punish sex outside marriage with imprisonment of up to a year.
Bambang Wuryanto, a politician, involved in the draft, said the code could be passed as early as next week.
The law, if passed, would apply to Indonesian citizens and foreigners alike.
Punishment for adultery can only take effect if there are parties who lodge complaints to the authorities.
For those who are married, the party entitled to complain is the perpetrator’s husband or wife.
The law also allows the parents of unmarried people to report them for having sex.
Cohabitation before marriage will also be banned, and those convicted could face a six-month prison sentence.
According to Reuters, business groups have expressed concern about the damage the rules might do to Indonesia’s image as a holiday and investment destination.
Shinta Widjaja Sukamdani, the deputy chairperson of Indonesia’s Employers’ Association (APINDO), said: “For the business sector, the implementation of this customary law shall create legal uncertainty and make investors reconsider investing in Indonesia.”
The previous draft of the code was set to be passed in 2019 but sparked nationwide protests, with tens of thousands participating in demonstrations.
Many, including students, took to the streets in cities across Indonesia, with the main clashes in the capital Jakarta.
Tear gas and water cannon were used against protesters who had thrown stones at police.
