The governor of Bali has said tourists will not be prosecuted under a harsh new law that criminalises sex outside of marriage in Indonesia.

After Australians and Indians, Brits are the most frequent tourist groups on the beautiful island directly east of the main Indonesian island of Java.

But fears of harsh punishment for sex outside marriage were stoked after Indonesia moved to threaten up to a year in jail for unmarried couples who have sex or six months for those who cohabit.

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But fears over the "Bali bonking ban", as it was called, were quelled by the island's governor Wayan Koster, who said that "local officials will not carry out checks" on tourist couples.

“Bali is Bali as usual, which is comfortable and safe to be visited. Visitors will not be required to prove their marital status when checking into accommodation, and local officials will not carry out checks," he said.

In a move that ensures “everyone’s privacy and comfortableness,” people can only be prosecuted for sex outside of marriage following a complaint by a parent, spouse or child.

Indonesia’s Deputy Justice Minister also directly appealed to tourists not to worry about the archaic article in Indonesian law.

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

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He added that thousands of tourists had cancelled flights and accommodation in Indonesia because of the legislation change.

Australia said it is “seeking further clarity” on how it might affect its citizens.

Gary Bowerman, director of Kuala Lumpur-based travel and tourism research firm Check-in Asia, said the new legislation could have a negative effect.

He said: “That’s why destinations spend millions of dollars on campaigns to promote their attractiveness and uniqueness to visitors. The new criminal code could instil a negative perception, not only for fear of personal safety but also for travellers concerned about the rights of local people.

“The important thing to remember is that tourists have choices. If they feel that the new criminal code provides reasons not to visit Indonesia, they can book to go elsewhere. This is not a luxury shared by local people affected by the new criminal code.”

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