Indonesian President Joko Widodo has suspended a raft of draconian amendments to the country's criminal code — that would ban sex outside marriage and limit other personal freedoms.

Key points: The Government had been planning on bringing forward a vote on the new criminal code next week

The Government had been planning on bringing forward a vote on the new criminal code next week But late on Friday, the Government said it would delay introducing the new laws

But late on Friday, the Government said it would delay introducing the new laws More than 6 million tourists visited Indonesia last year

The Indonesian Government had been planning to bring forward a vote on a new national criminal code as early as next week. Among other things, it would make it illegal to criticise the president, have sex outside of marriage, sell contraceptives and take away a women's rights to choose an abortion.

But late on Friday, Mr Widodo delayed the bill's passage until the new parliament is inaugurated next month, meaning debate and a vote will begin again.

Rights groups in the country have criticised the proposed legislation as an assault on basic freedoms, while hundreds of students staged protests outside the parliament against the proposed changes.

Earlier, the Australian Government updated its travel advice for Indonesia, warning tourists they could be jailed for having sex outside of marriage if proposed laws are passed — with charges only proceeding if there is a complaint from a spouse, parent or child.

Tourism may be affected

Millions visit the tourist destination of Bali each year. ( Wikimedia Commons )

More than 6 million tourists visited Bali last year, including more than 1 million Australians, according to Indonesia's bureau of statistics.

Aaron Connelly, who leads the Southeast Asian Politics and Foreign Policy program at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said tourism would "certainly be affected" if the bill was passed as originally planned.

"European diplomatic missions in Jakarta have argued to legislators that its provisions, particularly against extramarital sex, will require that they update their travel notices and lead to a flood of bad press," he told the ABC.

"Same-sex couples may feel particularly uncomfortable visiting Indonesia, as a part of the provision would criminalise same-sex relations by default.

"The bill will damage the perception of Indonesia as a tolerant place, and make many Westerners think twice about visiting."

Gus Agung, head of Bali's Tourism Board, told the ABC the views of the regional government in Bali "are not always aligned with Jakarta".

"The Hindu culture accepts everyone who comes to Bali to enjoy the island. The influence of hardline clerics in Jakarta has no effect in Bali," he said.

When asked whether tourists in Indonesia could face jail for extramarital sex, Indonesian politician Teuku Taufiqulhadi said: "No problem, as long as people don't know."

But Dr Lindsey questioned that sentiment.

"Criminal laws apply to everyone, including foreigners," he said.

'Disastrous for all Indonesians'

Under the proposed laws, there would be a four-year prison term for women who have an abortion. ( ABC: Archicco Guiliano )

Human rights groups had criticised the proposal, which includes jail time and stiff penalties, saying millions of Indonesian could be affected.

"Indonesia's draft criminal code is disastrous not only for women and religious and gender minorities, but for all Indonesians," Andreas Harsono, senior Indonesia researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.

Under the proposed laws, unmarried couples who live together as a husband and wife could be jailed for six months or face a maximum fine of 10 million rupiah ($1,046), which is three months' salary for many Indonesians.

There would also be a maximum four-year prison term for women who have an abortion, applicable if there was no medical emergency or rape involved.

The code further introduces fines for some people who promote contraception, and a six-month prison term for unauthorised discussion of "tools of abortion".

Parliament has also reintroduced the offence of "attacking the honour or dignity" of Indonesia's president and vice-president.

A similar law was struck down by the Constitutional Court in 2006, and the new version is likely to be challenged by rights activists as well.

Insulting the government and state institutions also carries a prison term.

Even if the new laws are passed next week the changes would take two years to come into effect.

ABC/Reuters