Bali Political Party Challenges Anti-Porn Law With Petition

JAKARTA — The Bali People’s Component, known as the KRB, has finalized a judicial review challenging the recently ratified anti-pornography law and plans to present the review to the Constitutional Court on Jan. 9.

The law, which loosely defines pornography as any work that has the potential to arouse sexual desire, criminalizes the production and distribution with heavy fines and up to 12 years imprisonment for producers and distributors. The law also threatens those who download pornographic material with up to four years imprisonment.

Despite its overwhelming party majority in the House of Representatives, the law was met with harsh criticism, including rallies and street demonstrations, after getting officially signed into law by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono last month.

“We are disappointed that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has signed the law,” said I Gusti Ngurah Harta, head of the KRB. “We will not vote for him in the elections next year.”

In its 50-page legal challenge, the KRB argues that the law “has trampled upon at least five constitutional rights granted to all Indonesian citizens,” said I Dewa Gde Palguna, chief legal advisor of the KRB, in that it denies Indonesian people in 21 separate professions their basic right to the freedom of expression, among other things. Some of the “at-risk” professions include dancers, playwrights, reporters, composers and gymnastics instructors, among others.

The petition also holds that the law serves as a potential threat to tourism and thus, the Balinese economy, and that it undermines Balinese culture and society.

“[The president’s] action goes against the spirit of the constitution and declaration of our independence,” said Wayan Sayoga, executive director of the National Integration Movement. “This law is not beneficial at all, except for leading the way to national disintegration.”

Harta says the KRB will request autonomy status for Bali and be “ready for civil disobedience” if the request for judicial review is denied by the Constitutional Court.

The KRB has estimated that the court will need about four months to come to a decision.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult, Could Face Override

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Show More