Same-sex relations between adults are not criminalised under Indonesian national law, and that applies in Bali too. The exception is Aceh province, which enforces Sharia bylaws, while same-sex marriage is not recognised anywhere in Indonesia.
This overview draws on official travel advice from the UK government (GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026) and Australia (Smartraveller, updated 21 October 2026), plus the text of the new Criminal Code, Law 1/2023, in force since 2 January 2026. Checked 25 October 2026. This is not legal advice; for a personal case, contact a lawyer or your consulate.
Does the new 2026 Criminal Code ban same-sex relationships?
No article explicitly bans them. The two most discussed are Article 411 (sex outside marriage, up to 1 year in prison) and Article 412 (living together as husband and wife outside marriage, up to 6 months). Both are complaint-based: police can act only on a complaint from a spouse, or from a parent or child for unmarried people. Smartraveller describes these articles as covering relations “between a man and a woman”.
Rights groups such as Human Rights Watch still worry the new code could be interpreted against LGBT people, because same-sex couples cannot legally marry. Other changes that matter to visitors are in the new 2026 Criminal Code for tourists.
Can same-sex couples share a room?
In practice, Bali hotels do not ask about the relationship between two adult guests booking one room. The passport check at reception is linked to the hotel's duty to report foreign guests, not a check on your relationship. The cohabitation rule remains a complaint offence for close family only. The full picture on hotel rooms is in unmarried couples sharing a room.
What about holding hands or kissing in public?
The rules are the same for every couple, and local norms are more conservative than the law. Article 414 of the new code penalises an obscene act in public “against another person of a different or the same sex” with up to 1 year 6 months in prison or a category III fine (Rp50 million). Article 406 covers public indecency. Smartraveller warns that visible displays of same-sex affection could draw unwanted attention, and GOV.UK advises caution and discretion, particularly in public spaces. Where the line sits is covered in kissing and affection in public.
Which laws have been used against LGBT people?
GOV.UK and Smartraveller both say laws on pornography and prostitution have been applied in a discriminatory way. The elucidation of Article 4 of Pornography Law 44/2008 lists homosexual activity among examples of “deviant intercourse” in pornographic content. The law was used in a raid on a men's party at a South Jakarta hotel in February 2025 (56 people detained, according to RMOL) and at a villa in Puncak, Bogor, in June 2025 (75 people, according to Metro TV). Those cases happened outside Bali, but the trigger was similar: events advertised openly on social media.
The ITE Law also penalises posting indecent content, and Smartraveller notes it applies to foreigners too. Avoid sharing intimate content, including on dating apps.
Is a same-sex marriage from abroad recognised?
No. Marriage Law 1/1974 defines marriage as a bond between a man and a woman. In practice your partner cannot sponsor a family KITAS, and a hospital may not treat you as family when medical decisions are made. For longer trips, carry a medical power of attorney drawn up in your home country.
What about Aceh and other regions?
Sharia law in Aceh bans same-sex relations and can in some circumstances be applied to non-Muslims, including foreigners. Penalties can include caning, prison or a fine payable in gold, according to GOV.UK. Bali has no similar regional regulation. If your route passes through other provinces, check your government's advice for those areas.
Within Bali, Seminyak has long been known for a handful of bars that openly welcome LGBT guests. Other visitor rules are summarised on the Bali rules page.
Three more questions
My passport has an “X” sex marker. Can I enter Indonesia? Smartraveller says the Australian government cannot guarantee entry or transit with an X passport. Ask an Indonesian embassy or consulate before buying tickets.
Is it safe to attend LGBT events or parties? GOV.UK notes reports of police arresting people at LGBT events in Indonesia. Private parties advertised openly on social media carry the most risk; stick to properly licensed venues.
If I am detained or extorted, what should I do? Ask to contact your consulate and do not sign documents you do not understand. Your rights are explained in detained by police in Bali.
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