Indonesia’s Bold Move to Banish Child Marriage
When a 15‑year‑old junior and a 14‑year‑old sophomore sneaked a photo of themselves trying to say “I do” across the social‑media waves, the whole country went quieter. But not for long—after the picture turned viral last week, the Indonesian government announced that it is on the brink of stamping a decree that will outlaw child marriages.
Why the Buzz?
Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim nation, and it ranks high among nations where teenagers are still signing the dotted line. According to Girls Not Brides, a teenaged “couple” on Sulawesi caught the net of the internet, urging lawmakers to act. The president, Joko Widodo, has already pledged to sign off on a law that will put a hard stop to marrying underage.
What the Decree Could Look Like
- Increase the legal minimum marriage age to 20 for girls and 22 for boys.
- Eliminate parental consent loopholes that allow girls as young as 16.
- Phase out the possibility of religious courts approving under‑age marriages.
The Current Reality
Presently, a 16‑year‑old girl can tie the knot with a 19‑year‑old boy if her parents buy the ticket. If the family is super‑devout, it can even go younger, thanks to religious courts. One in four Indonesian girls are already dripping into matrimony before age 18, and about 3500 girls every single day.
Voices from the Frontlines
Ninik Rahayu, a pioneering female Islamic cleric, declared the practice “a form of sexual violence” and called the situation an “emergency level” crisis. A year ago, she and other clerics issued a fatwa—no legal shield, but a strong moral push—against child marriages.
Andreas Harsono of Human Rights Watch praised Indonesia’s pledge as “bold” yet warned that action must be taken swiftly, or the country’s future will be marred by endless stories of stunted growth, loss, and heartbreak.
What Drives the Problem?
- Poverty lovers, shining tradition for guilt‑free engagement.
- Many families see an early marriage as a ticket to finance or food.
- Societal pressure: “Ready for the ring?” and a sudden exit from school appears as a cause‑and‑effect story.
Closing the Loop
Global statistics say 12 million girls are dragged into early marriages each year, falling into a trap of exploitation, assault, domestic abuse, and even death during childbirth. Indonesia, with a staggering population of 250 million, must now step up to put a whole chapter of its cultural book on pause.
Conclusion
Let’s hope the forthcoming decree turns the tide. Because a teenager’s wedding is no longer a “sweetchild pajama party” but a lifelong responsibility. It’s high time Indonesia safeguards the dreams of its girls, ensuring their bright future starts with consent and maturity, not the clatter of girdles and ring‑mountain.
