Jakarta, December 9th 2022 - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, asks foreign tourists not to hesitate to visit Indonesia. As a country which has numerous choices of tourist destinations, one of which is Bali, Indonesia is always open to welcoming tourist.

“Nothing has changed from the current system in the tourism industry. Our focus is to continue to improve quality and sustainability tourism,” according to Minister Sandiaga Uno, in a statement, Friday (9/12/2022).

He emphasized that the Indonesian government adhered to the guidelines that the private space of the public, including tourists, would be guaranteed so that the comfort and security of the private space of tourists while traveling in Indonesia would always be maintained.

The ratification of the Draft Criminal Code Bill (RKUHP) by the House of Representatives (DPR) some time ago was a manifestation of the functioning of a constitutional state system which main objective is to protect the Indonesian people. This regulation will take effect 3 years after being ratified, Minister Sandiaga said.

In fact, there are no substantive changes regarding this article compared to Article 284 of the old Criminal Code (KUHP). The difference lies only in the addition of parties entitled to complaint. The threat of new penalties can apply if there are parties who complain or in other words complaint offenses.

This rule stipulates that the parties who can complain is the husband or wife for people who are bound by marriage. Whereas for people who are not bound by marriage are the parents or children. Without complaints by legal person, no parties have the right to take legal actions.

Currently, the government together with relevant stakeholders are preparing detailed regulations and SOPs for tourism activities that can ensure the safety and comfort of visiting tourists.

In addition, dissemination continues to be carried out not only to the tourism industry but also to domestic and foreign tourists to avoid misinterpretations or misunderstandings about the Criminal Code.

“The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MOTCE) ensures all tourists who want to visit, not to hesitate to have a vacation and carry out tourism activities in Indonesia, that the constitution in force in Indonesia will still guarantee the private space of the community and all visiting tourists. Articles related to adultery and cohabitation (regarding living in the same house without marriage ties) are also offenses against complaints, so in practice they do not directly affect all visiting tourists,” Sandiaga explained.

Strengthen Dissemination

Minister Sandiaga said that his institution continues to strengthen coordination with related stakeholders to continue disseminating the law, which will become effective in the next three years, which is 2025. Especially for foreign tourist market countries, to make them visit Indonesia without any hesitation.

“The hospitality industry has been briefed and we will resolve any potential misunderstandings. The hotel is certain to always guarantee the confidentiality of the data of tourists staying overnight,” he added.

“Tourists are expected not to hesitate to keep visiting to enjoy the natural beauty, cultural diversity, and the friendliness of the people. The tourism industry really respects personal things carried out responsibly,” he continued.

I Gusti Ayu Dewi Hendriyani

Head of Communication Bureau

Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Tourism and Creative Economy Agency