Visitors to Bali do not need to fear Indonesia’s new law targeting unmarried couples, according to a statement from Bali’s governor. The governor explained that the forthcoming regulation will take effect three years from now and will be activated only after complaints are filed by parents, spouses or children.
The official emphasized that travelers and residents in Bali should not worry about being subject to Indonesian penal law simply for their relationship status. He stressed that the implementation will be guided by a complaint-driven process, rather than universal enforcement at immigration or during check-ins at tourist facilities.
According to the governor, no marital status checks will be conducted upon arrival at common visitor accommodations such as hotels, villas, apartments, guesthouses, holiday homes and spa facilities. This assurance underscores a measured approach to enforcement, focusing on formal complaints rather than blanket scrutiny of visitors.
He also noted that the current version of the law has been amended from a previous, more stringent form, suggesting a balance between societal norms and practical considerations for the tourism sector in Bali.
Earlier reports indicated that Indonesia imposes restrictions on premarital sex and on living together without formal registration of the relationship, highlighting a broader national conversation on personal relationships and legal boundaries. The Balinese authorities have framed the upcoming statute as a targeted measure that aims to address family concerns while trying to minimize disruption to tourism and day-to-day life on the island.
Observers will be watching how the law is interpreted and enforced as it moves toward its implementation date, and how Bali’s status as a global travel destination could influence the practical application of the regulation in hotels, resorts and other visitor-facing venues.