Thousands protest over proposed changes
JAKARTA: Tens of thousands of people have protested across Indonesia this week over a proposed new criminal code that would outlaw sex outside marriage, among other things, and which has now been put on hold by President Joko Widodo.
WHAT DOES THE BILL SAY?
It includes a maximum oneyear prison term for a couple who has extra-marital sex and a maximum six-month prison term for unmarried couples living together. A prosecution can only proceed if a village chief files a complaint, and parents or children of the accused do not object.
Although it does not explicitly outlaw homosexuality, some fear the criminalisation of extra-marital sex and new obscenity laws could form a legal basis for persecuting gay people.
The bill also penalises people who criticise the president’s honour; teachers of Marxist-Leninist ideology; and, women who have abortions in the absence of a medical emergency or rape.
It gives local governments the right to introduce so-called “living laws”, such as the mandatory wearing of hijab.
WHY IS IT BEING INTRODUCED?
Indonesia currently uses a version of the criminal code drawn up by Dutch colonists. It took effect in 1918. There has been discussion on changing it since independence in the 1940s.
Widodo first brought it to parliament in 2015. Initial attempts to revise it collapsed, but it gained traction after this year’s general election with the terms of members of parliament due to expire this month.
WHO OPPOSES THE BILL?
It is not entirely clear-cut, in that some support some aspects of the bill but oppose others.
Rights groups say that it is an affront to basic human rights. Many opponents of the bill say that it deepens conservative Islamic influence in the country.
WHO SUPPORTS IT?
The bill has the support of some Islamic groups in a country where conservatism has been on the rise.
Several religious-based parties have endorsed the more conservative elements of the bill, seen as likely to appeal to their constituents.
Some conservative groups want to seize on the momentum to promote stricter interpretations of Islam in the legal system.
One advocate last week said she wanted the bill strengthened to specifically outlaw all expressions of homosexuality.
WHAT WOULD IT MEAN FOR THE ECONOMY?
The ban on extra-marital sex is a big concern for the tourist industry.
Australia already warned visitors to Bali of the risk they could face from extra-marital or gay sex should the law be passed.
However, officials have pointed out that prosecutions of foreigners under the bill — even as it stands — are unlikely.