NTB Traditions Undermine Child Marriage Laws in Indonesia

5 hours ago 2

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A Researcher from the Indonesian Institute (TII), Made Natasya Restu Dewi Pratiwi, stated that the prevalence of child marriage cases in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) needs attention. Natasya believes that the implementation of Law Number 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Criminal Acts (TPKS) is still overshadowed by local cultural traditions.

Natasya mentioned that the government needs to involve community figures from NTB to raise awareness about the dangers of the tradition of "merariq" or child marriage. This can be done by establishing age and marriage readiness standards that must be met in granting permission for merariq. "To prevent the spread of misinterpreted cultural norms, these standards must be included in regional regulations," Natasya said in her written statement on Monday, June 9, 2025.

She cited data from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in 2024, which stated that NTB has the highest rate of child marriage in Indonesia. There were 6,200 cases of child marriage in NTB, equivalent to 14.96 percent of the national cases.

According to her, this data shows that regulations have not addressed the root of the problem and are not accompanied by sufficient social awareness in NTB. There is already Regional Regulation Number 5 of 2021 concerning the prevention of child marriage in NTB.

In the latest case in NTB, a 14-year-old girl, identified as SY, married a 16-year-old boy. The Diyok Stars' Facebook account uploaded a video of their wedding that went viral.

The Chairman of the Child Protection Agency (LPA) in Mataram, Joko Jumani, is concerned that the video could become a form of legitimization for the community to normalize child marriage. LPA Mataram has reported those who facilitated the marriage to the Central Lombok Police.

M Rizki Yusrial contributed to this article

Editor's Choice: Extreme Poverty in Indonesia Rises to 15.42 Million

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Indonesia vs Japan: Head-to-Head Record Before Final 2026 World Cup Qualifier

57 menit lalu

Indonesia vs Japan: Head-to-Head Record Before Final 2026 World Cup Qualifier

The Indonesian national team will face Japan in their final match in Group C of the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Asian zone.

Indonesia Secures Opportunity to Protect Its Rich Biodiversity and Natural Resources

1 jam lalu

Indonesia Secures Opportunity to Protect Its Rich Biodiversity and Natural Resources

Indonesia is taking a bold leap forward to safeguard its rich biodiversity and natural resources.

Indonesian Govt Projects 50% Increase in Exports to the EU

1 jam lalu

Indonesian Govt Projects 50% Increase in Exports to the EU

Indonesia's exports to the EU are predicted to increase by 50 percent after the IEU-CEPA agreement. What is the trade balance data up to this point?

Japan Legend Keisuke Honda Stunned by Indonesia's Rise in World Cup Qualifiers

3 jam lalu

Japan Legend Keisuke Honda Stunned by Indonesia's Rise in World Cup Qualifiers

Japanese national team legend Keisuke Honda admitted to being surprised by the achievements of the Indonesian national team in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Japan vs Indonesia: Latest Insights Before 2026 World Cup Qualifier

3 jam lalu

Japan vs Indonesia: Latest Insights Before 2026 World Cup Qualifier

The Indonesian national team will play an away match and their last match in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Group C Asia zone against Japan.

Environmental Coalition Demands End to Mining in Raja Ampat

4 jam lalu

Environmental Coalition Demands End to Mining in Raja Ampat

The Domberai People and Nature Rescue Coalition believes the government is biased towards companies in the nickel mining issue in Raja Ampat.

32 Years of Komnas HAM: Understanding Its Duties and Functions

4 jam lalu

32 Years of Komnas HAM: Understanding Its Duties and Functions

The Indonesian government established the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) as an independent institution focusing on human rights issues.

Japan vs Indonesia: Match Preview and Prediction for Final World Cup Qualifier

5 jam lalu