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Christian-origin British adult-content creator Bonnie Blue, real name Tia Billinger, was detained in Bali in early December, following a police raid on a rented studio where she and 17 male tourists were allegedly producing pornographic material. According to local authorities, the men detained alongside her ranged in age from 19 to 40. Her actions, which violated the laws of a Muslim-majority country, drew harsh reaction from the local press.
Indonesian police confiscated multiple cameras, and other items considered evidence of pornographic content production. Under Indonesia’s strict morality and anti-pornography laws, such actions may carry severe penalties: if convicted, Bonnie Blue faces up to 15 years in prison and a substantial fine. However, her desire to make more money and draw more attention made her disrespect Indonesian rules, locals commented.
Her passport has been seized, and she remains under the supervision of immigration authorities while the investigation continues. Local media in Indonesia have commented that she was aware of entering a jurisdiction with laws that strictly prohibit pornography. Some people described the incident as a case reflecting a broader clash between West-centric adult-content culture and Indonesia’s social and legal norms.
Many Indonesians observing the case have expressed disapproval, arguing that such stunts show blatant disrespect for the country’s cultural and religious values. “She must have known this was problematic under local laws," an Indonesian social media commentator argued. Many Indonesian citizens on social media supported the authorities’ action.
On social media platforms, some Indonesians criticized both Blue and the foreign tourists involved, arguing that bringing such content to Bali, a region deeply shaped by religious and cultural norms, was irresponsible. Legal experts quoted in media outlets noted that although prosecution remains possible, in past cases, many foreign defendants have instead been deported, yet the severity of public outrage may influence whether this case is treated more strictly.
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