Tourists visiting Bali and the rest of Indonesia won’t be charged under a new law which bans sex outside marriage, the BBC has learned

The Governor of Bali told the broadcaster that authorities won’t check the marital status of international tourists.

Indonesia’s face up to a year in jail for having sex outside marriage, or a six-month prison sentence if they cohabit.

But the BBC has quoted the Bali Governor Wayan Koster saying: “Bali is Bali as usual, which is comfortable and safe to be visited.”

Tourists won’t be required to prove they’re married when checking into accommodation and officials won’t carry out checks, said Mr Koster.

Indonesia’s Deputy Justice Minister has also promised that foreigners won’t be prosecuted.

“I want to emphasise for foreign tourists, please come to Indonesia because you will not be charged with this article,” Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej told reporters.

The Government also points out that under the new criminal code, extra-marital sex and cohabitation offences will only be prosecuted if reported by a spouse, parent or child, making it unlikely that tourists will be affected.