A Bali man legally married himself in order to masturbate in the privacy of his own home. While it may seem to be an odd thing to do, it makes sense when considering the new law banning sex outside of marriage in this Muslim-majority country.
Indonesia’s parliament has overhauled the country’s criminal code to outlaw sex outside marriage and curtail free speech, in a dramatic setback to freedoms in the world’s third-largest democracy.
Passed with support from all political parties, the draconian legislation has shocked not only rights activists but also the country’s booming tourism sector, which relies on a stream of visitors to its tropical islands.
Tuafik Madrim lives in Bali and is a committed bachelor with no desire to marry. However, his parents do not like their son's single status. They have told him time and time again that once the new law takes effect, they will call the police on him for masturbation. Seeing that the penalty is one year in prison, Mr. Madrim thought the only reasonable thing to do is to marry himself.
"It was a nice secular ceremony," Mr. Madrim said. "I even bought myself a ring."
His parents are not happy and seeking legal help to annul the marriage. In the meantime, their son is enjoying everything life hands him.
