Indonesia’s New Criminal Code: Myths, Reality, and Its Impact on Bali

In recent months, social media has been flooded with alarming claims suggesting that Bali is about to lose its tourist appeal due to the enforcement of Indonesia’s new criminal code (KUHP). However, most of these posts are based on information taken out of context and do not reflect the real legal situation.

As of January 2, 2026, Indonesia has officially implemented a revised criminal code, replacing legislation inherited from the Dutch colonial era. The law was adopted in advance to allow sufficient time for adaptation and gradual implementation. Its primary purpose is to modernize internal legal and social norms, not to restrict tourism or investment activity.

The most widely discussed provisions concern personal relationships, yet in practice their application is very limited. While extramarital relationships are formally prohibited, cases can only be initiated following a complaint from close relatives - a spouse, parents, or children. Police are not allowed to conduct checks on their own initiative, and these provisions are effectively not applied to tourists or expats.

Changes related to defamation and insults against state institutions have also attracted attention. These rules are aimed at the domestic political sphere and are primarily applied to Indonesian citizens, without affecting the private lives of foreigners or the tourism sector.

Another section addresses public morality and behavior in public spaces. These are not new restrictions, but rather a clarification and consolidation of existing rules, particularly relevant in temples, cultural sites, and public areas.

For tourists and foreign residents, the situation remains unchanged. Visa regulations, airport operations, hotels, and property rentals continue to function as usual. Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism has officially confirmed that the new criminal code is not directed against tourists, and Bali’s record-breaking visitor numbers further support this position.

Indonesia’s new criminal code represents an internal legal reform, not a threat to Bali’s tourism industry. Most alarming social media posts are speculative and misleading. Bali remains open, in high demand, and attractive for investment, with respect for local laws and operating within the legal framework continuing to be the key principles.