Know which authority sets the rule
Indonesian national law applies in Bali. Bali’s provincial visitor guidance also addresses conduct, licensed services and religious sites. A venue can impose its own admission or booking conditions; these are not automatically national criminal offences.
Treat ordinary courtesy separately from claims about prosecution. If someone says a particular activity is illegal, identify the authority and the circumstances rather than treating a social-media summary as the whole rule.
| Type | Examples | Practical response |
|---|---|---|
| National law | Drug offences, immigration conditions and the criminal code | Use responsible national sources and obtain legal advice for a personal dispute. |
| Provincial visitor guidance | Bali’s visitor circular and conduct at sacred places | Follow the applicable Bali instructions and local officials’ directions. |
| Venue conditions | Temple access, dress requirements and accommodation booking terms | Read the conditions for that particular place. |
| Courtesy | Asking before photographing people or joining an event | Seek permission and accept a refusal. |
Unmarried couples and the criminal code
Article 411 concerns sex with someone who is not a spouse; Article 412 concerns living together as spouses outside marriage. Both have restricted complaint requirements. For a married person, the relevant complainant is their spouse; for an unmarried person, it is a parent or child.
The Ministry of Law explains that a person outside those categories cannot bring the Article 412 complaint. These restrictions matter, but do not create a blanket exemption for foreign tourists. They also should not be read as a promise about a particular threatened complaint.
Read the property’s separate booking conditions before reserving accommodation. If a dispute, family complaint or threat affects your situation, obtain advice from an Indonesian lawyer rather than relying on a general holiday guide.
Drugs, medicines and alcohol
Drug offences can attract severe penalties, including death. Cannabis and CBD products are prohibited even when prescribed in Australia. Resolve medicine restrictions before travel rather than assuming a prescription permits import.
Bali’s legal drinking age is 21. Aceh has different alcohol restrictions and is a separate province; do not apply Bali guidance to every Indonesian destination. A venue’s admission rules may be more restrictive than the drinking-age rule.
Driving and hiring a vehicle
For Australians, Smartraveller specifies an Indonesian licence or an International Driving Permit together with the Australian licence. The entitlement must cover the vehicle, including motorcycles or mopeds.
Bali’s visitor circular calls for licensed services, helmets, compliance with traffic rules and no driving under the influence. A rental business handing over a scooter does not establish your legal entitlement or insurance cover. Consider an arranged car journey if the licensing, conditions or riding demands do not suit you.
Temples, ceremonies and photographs
Bali’s visitor circular protects sacred areas and objects and calls for respectful clothing and behaviour. Temple entry can be limited to worshippers or restricted by local instructions. Wearing a sarong does not by itself give access to every sanctuary.
Use the visitor entrance, read the posted conditions and follow the attendants. Ask before photographing people or a ceremony, keep clear of offerings and do not climb sacred trees or monuments. If an area is closed, change the visit rather than entering for a photograph.
Tourist visas do not give unrestricted work permission
Choose the visa for the activity you intend to undertake. Indonesia’s current classification includes C5A for specified content-creation activities and E33G for eligible remote workers employed overseas. Each has its own permitted activities and restrictions.
Describe sponsored content, paid assignments, volunteering or business activity accurately to Indonesian Immigration before choosing a category. An overseas client, or posting material after returning home, is not a reason to assume tourist permission covers the work.
When you need legal or consular help
Keep your immigration records and booking documents available. If you are detained or face a legal dispute, request a local lawyer and contact the Australian consulate for consular information.
Consular staff cannot act as your lawyer, override Indonesian proceedings, pay fines or obtain your release. They can provide details of local lawyers and explain the assistance available for your circumstances.
Sources
- Smartraveller: current Indonesia travel advice
- Indonesian Constitutional Court: Articles 411 and 412 complaint conditions
- Indonesian Ministry of Law: who can complain about cohabitation
- Bali Tourism Office: Governor’s visitor circular
- Indonesian Ministry of Tourism: permitted activities by visa category
- DFAT: Consular Services Charter