Freewheeling tropical fun is Bali’s brand. The island, though belonging to Muslim-majority Indonesia, is predominately Hindu. Its relaxed vibe attracts millions of tourists (some with surfboards in tow) as well as “digital nomads.” But Balinese businesses fear that a new nationwide law banning sex outside of marriage (called zina in the Quran) will ruin the party. Though the law won’t come into effect for three years, and mostly affects Indonesian citizens, confusion over the ruling is already scaring away guests. Indonesia, once hailed for its moderate take on religion, keeps taking on more Gulf state-style laws and steadily encroaching on Bali’s identity — and economy.
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