Indonesia Raises Marriage Age to Curb Child Marriages

Name: Indonesia Raises Marriage Age to Curb Child Marriages
Start: 2019-09-17
Location: Unspecified

Indonesia's Bold Move to Raise the Marriage Age

In 2019, Indonesia made a significant legislative change aimed at addressing the issue of child marriages within its borders. The country raised the legal age for women to marry from 16 to 19, aligning it with the legal marriage age for men. This decision was a vital step towards promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of young girls across Indonesia.

The Context of Marriage Laws in Indonesia

The original law allowed girls to marry at the age of 16, which led to a high incidence of child marriages, especially in rural and economically disadvantaged areas. By raising the age limit to 19, the government sought to ensure that young women would have more time to pursue education and personal development before entering into marriage.

Impacts of Changing Marriage Laws

Raising the marriage age was intended to provide young women with opportunities for higher education and professional careers, reducing the cycle of poverty associated with early marriage. This change is expected to lead to healthier families and empower women by giving them greater agency over their life choices.

Working Towards Gender Equality

Indonesia’s decision to raise the female marriage age is rooted in a larger commitment to improving gender equality and combating child marriage. By ensuring that both genders marry at the same age, the government is promoting a more equitable societal norm.

International Support for Indonesia's Initiative

This legislative change has garnered support from various international organizations that advocate for women's rights and the empowerment of girls. Efforts from groups like UNICEF and UNFPA have underscored the importance of education and gender equality in breaking the cycle of child marriage.

Challenges Moving Forward

Despite this positive step, challenges remain in fully implementing the law across all regions of Indonesia. Cultural practices and societal norms still favor early marriages, and continuous efforts are essential to educate communities about the benefits of marrying later and ensuring compliance with the law.

Fun Fact

The Impact of Education on Marriage Age

Research shows that every extra year of schooling can significantly decrease the likelihood of girls marrying early. As more girls can stay in school due to the new laws, Indonesia hopes to see a substantial decline in child marriage rates.