The Criminal Code Makes Bali Tourism Actors Awkward, Menparekraf Sandiaga Asked to Intervene

ILLUSTRATION/PANDAWA BALI BEACH/DOC BETWEEN

DENPASAR - The massive coverage of the Criminal Code, especially regarding the crime of cohabitation as well as sex outside of marriage, has impacted the attention of foreigners, including Australia. Bali tourism actors are worried that the arrival of foreign tourists will be 'dragged' because of the Criminal Code article.

Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Hotels and Restaurants (PHRI) Bali, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya, asked Menparekarf Sandiaga Uno to intervene. Sandiaga was asked to provide an explanation and outreach regarding the implementation of the Criminal Code's criminal threat rules.

"If we let it (turn into) a wild ball like this, it will have an impact", said Suryawijaya, Thursday, December 8.

Currently, the tourism condition of the Island of the Gods has increased significantly after being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The occupancy rate of the hotel, called Suryawijaya, is in the range of 65 percent. But again, the issue of the Criminal Code regarding sex outside of marriage has made tourism players worried about the level of foreign tourist arrivals.

"So it is urgently necessary to have an official statement from the government. In particular, we hope the Minister of Tourism clarifies this, so there is no bias", he added.

Suryawijaya said the article on sex outside of marriage actually regulates the need for 'reporting'. But still, the impact of massive news can lead to misunderstandings.

"So it has nothing to do with tourists from wherever they come to Bali. Please enjoy and have a holiday and our own hotel will never (ask) are you married or is he renting a room or asked to show a letter, none of that, so it's normal just", he said.