March 7, 2006 | Sex & Society

Indonesian sex bill threatens Bali

Tsunamis, landslides and earthquakes: natural disasters, or a message from God? If you ask Indonesia, Mother Nature's havock is a warning from above. That's why the Islamic dominated country is considering a ban on sexual expression, a move that has resort island Bali fearful for the future of its culture and tourism trade.

Famous as a destination for bikini-clad travelers, Bali also is home to a vocal community of artists and actors who have demonstrated en masse against a bill currently before the Indonesian Parliament that would outlaw "anything that could offend decency or arouse lust" according to Australia's The Courier-Mail.

Outlawed would be kissing in public by husbands and wives, cohabitation by unmarried couples, revealing clothing and, of course, gay sex. Violations would be punishable by up to 10 years in prison and potential fines of more than $100,000.

Pushing the law, according to The Courier-Mail, is Indonesia's Islamic majority, which is worried that its country's moral fiber is falling apart.

Hindus in Bali, however, have worries of their own. Indonesian news agency ANTARA News reports that they are concerned over the possible effects of the law on their economy, which thrives on tourists' appetite for the island's unique combination of beaches, natural beauty and the open sensuality of its people.

"If [the bill passes], I wonder [if] foreign tourists will come here again in great numbers," said  Bali Gov. Dewa Beratha. "In this current difficult situation, Bali is actually in dire need of foreign tourist arrivals to sex up the local economy."

If passed, the new law would not be used to arrest tourists, said Indonesian lawmakers, who acknowledged that exceptions to the bill might apply to Bali and to the province of Papua, where nudity is a native custom.

And for the rest of Indonesia? Well, citizens of the world's fourth most populous nation will just have to make do under the moral oppression of religious conservative rule.

• Huge turnout as Balinese decry porn bill [AsiaMedia]
• Bali governor rejects anti-pornography bill [ANTARA News]
• No sex please, we are God fearing Indonesians [The Courier Mail]