Bali Governor Says Won't Enforce Indonesia Porn Law

Bali Governor Says Won't Enforce Indonesia Porn Law

Bali has no intention of enforcing a controversial anti-porn law passed last year because it conflicts with local culture and tradition. Pluralism and religious freedom have become election issues in predominantly Muslim, officially secular Indonesia.
The new law, which created much confusion over what would be considered pornographic, was slammed by religious minorities but backed by the Islamic and Islamist political parties allied to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who is seeking re-election in the presidential polls on July 8.
Bali Governor I Made Mangku Pastika stated that the law is "not appropriate for the people of Bali," citing that the most serious effect of the law would be its impact on Bali's culture and traditional art, which includes nude statues and often sexually explicit imagery.
Centuries-old traditions including outdoor bathing would also have to be banned if the law was properly enforced. Bali's economy is also heavily dependent on tourism because of
its culture, beaches and surfing. The anti-porn law fuelled concerns that tourists might be arrested for wearing swimwear.