But this week, controversial new laws were passed in parliament that ban cohabitation and sex outside marriage. The laws will apply not just to residents but also to foreign expats and tourists in the country – raising concerns from experts. Indonesian lawmakers have defended the new laws, saying they were an attempt to satisfy “public aspiration” in a diverse nation. “Now there will now be rules and laws that will burden tourists and the industry,” he added. “But what is going to happen to us now if the new laws scare tourists off?