Regarding the issue on foreign tourists canceling their arrival to Bali as reported in several foreign media was responded by the Bali Provincial Government. News stating that foreign tourists coming to Indonesia, especially to Bali, could face imprisonment due to the enactment of the Criminal Code law or specifically Articles 415 and 416, concerning Adultery and Cohabitation. “Tourists do not need to worry about traveling in Bali,” said the Head of the Bali Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, at his office on Thursday (Dec 8). 

Tjok Bagus Pemayun further emphasized that all tourists who are already in Bali and potential tourists who wish to travel to Bali need not feel worried because all tourists will still be treated as usual, the same as before. “There will be no sweeping or legal action against tourists as a result of the enactment of this law,” said Tjok Bagus while guaranteeing that all tourists will remain safe and comfortable while enjoying their holidays on the Island of the Gods.

Tjok Bagus Pemayun further explained that Articles 415 and 416 of the Criminal Code which had just been ratified contained a complaint offense. So, criminal action only applies if there are parties who report it, and even then it cannot be done by just anyone. Reports may only be made by husband or wife, for those who are legally married or by their parents for those who are still single.

Precisely with the existence of the Criminal Code, everything will be more conducive because there will be no vigilante actions carried out by irresponsible elements. “Therefore, once again I’d like to reiterate, so that all tourists and potential tourists who want to take a vacation to Bali need not feel afraid because Bali is still safe, Bali is still comfortable. Come to Bali, we are waiting for your arrival in Bali. Welcome back to Bali,” concluded Tjok Bagus Pemayun.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Indonesia Hotel General Manager Association (IHGMA) Bali, Yoga Iswara, added that all hotels in Bali guarantee the data confidentiality of tourist staying overnight. “So far, hotels in Bali have never questioned and asked about the status of the relationship if there are tourist couples staying overnight. All will be given special privileges as befits tourists,” he explained.

A similar opinion was conveyed by the Chairman of the Badung Association of Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants (PHRI), IGAN Rai Suryawijaya, that the current Criminal Code reinforces something that was previously confusing. In the past, anyone could report a suspected person. Officials can carry out sweeping or community groups can carry out raids. “If that happens in Bali, it will even make the situation not conducive because Bali is an international tourist destination which is visited by millions of people with different cultural backgrounds, customs and traditions,” he affirmed. (BTN/015)