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Politics

Indonesia's new criminal code spurs democracy, business concerns

Curbs widely criticized, though some say worries of impact on tourism overblown

Demonstrators gather near Indonesia's parliament building in Jakarta on Dec. 6 to protest passage of a law that restricts personal freedoms.   © AP

JAKARTA -- A wide-ranging law passed in Indonesia curbing political and sexual freedom is drawing harsh criticism, as it is viewed as a threat to the country's still young democracy and dynamic tourism industry.

Parliament on Tuesday approved a new Criminal Code Bill that forbids insulting the president and any state institution, while also banning extramarital and premarital sex and contraception.

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