Indonesia's new criminal code spurs democracy, business concerns

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

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

NANA SHIBATA, BOBBY NUGROHO and ISMI DAMAYANTI, Nikkei staff writers

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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