Aussies urged to avoid Indonesia as protests rage over 'Bali sex ban' laws
Australians have been urged to rethink their Bali travel plans following an outbreak of protests over the proposed change to Indonesian law that would make pre-marital sex a punishable offence.
The Australian Government updated its advice last week for travellers heading to Indonesia, following violent rioting resulting in the death of two students in Kendari city on Sulawesi island.
One was shot dead and another died after suffering severe head injuries during a rally against legislation that critics fear would undermine freedoms and anti-corruption efforts, according to an official.
Police fired tear gas to quell rock-throwing protesters who gathered outside the legislative council building in Kendari, the capital of south-east Sulawesi on Thursday.
Tens of thousands of students across the country have been holding daily protests, which have often turned violent. Protestors are angry at revisions to the criminal code that include the criminalisation of sex outside marriage, co-habitation and insulting the president.
The violence in Kendari followed clashes on Tuesday in Jakarta that left more than 260 students and 39 police injured as security personnel and protesters faced each other outside the national parliament building, police said.
The proposed changes to the criminal code would see consensual sex outside of marriage punishable by up to one year in prison, while a couple living together without being married could be jailed for up to six months.
On September 20, the Australian Government’s Smart Traveller advice was updated to urge holidaymakers to exercise a “high degree of caution” while travelling in Indonesia.
“Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media about possible new safety or security risks,” the advice stated.
“Avoid protests, demonstrations and rallies, as these can turn violent without warning. Protests may continue at the Embassy in Jakarta or occur at any of Australia’s Consulates-General in Surabaya, Bali and Makassar. Be aware of your surroundings.”
With AAP
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