INDRAMAYU-JAYA-NEWS.COM – The emergency of child marriage in Indramayu Regency has become a serious concern. Various cross-sector stakeholders held a District Stakeholder Meeting themed The Role and Function of UPTD PPA in Efforts to Prevent and Handle Child Marriage in Indramayu Regency, on Thursday (10/29/2026) at the NU Building in Indramayu Regency.
The activity, organized through the INKLUSI Program of Lakpesdam PCNU Indramayu, was attended by the Women and Children Protection Unit (UPTD PPA), DP3AKB, DPRD Commission II, Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indramayu, Department of Education, Department of Social Affairs, Department of Manpower, DPMD, KNPI, LBH, media, Migrant Workers Organization, Migrant Care, and community leaders.
The meeting highlighted the high number of marriage dispensations at the Indramayu Religious Court and weak prevention at the village level. Economic factors, low education, culture, and lack of literacy on Law No. 16 of 2019 regarding the marriage age limit of 19 years are the main causes.
UPTD PPA Cannot Work Alone
The representative of UPTD PPA Indramayu Regency emphasized that its function is complaint services, psychological and legal assistance, and referrals. However, without budget and human resources support, its performance is not optimal.
“We at UPTD PPA cannot work alone. Many parents still do not know that marrying off underage children violates children’s rights. We need support from villages and all stakeholders for outreach to the grassroots,” he said.
A similar statement was conveyed by the Chairman of Lakpesdam PCNU Indramayu, Ali Ma’nawi.
“Don’t let people think that UPTD PPA only exists when there is already a victim. In fact, the prevention function is far more important. We encourage assisted villages to create a Village Regulation on Prevention of Child Marriage,” said Almak, his nickname.
Voices of Workers and Women
From the labor element, the Representative of the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (SBMI) highlighted the poverty factor.
“We see directly in the field. Many of our members are women workers, because they cannot afford to pay for school, their children end up getting married. This is a circle of poverty. We are ready to be part of the Prevention Task Force in industrial areas and workers’ villages,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, a female leader from Fatayat NU reminded of the danger of mistaken culture.
“There is still a taboo assumption that if a girl is not married off immediately. In fact, children who marry young are vulnerable to domestic violence, stunting, and dropping out of school. Religion does not prohibit marriage, but educating children until they are mentally ready is more important,” she revealed.
The village government representative through DPMD admitted that it needs a legal umbrella.
“We in the village are often confused about what to do. If there are residents who want to marry off their children, we do not have a strong legal basis to refuse. We hope there is a clear Regional Regulation and Village Regulation,” he complained.
DPRD Commission II Pushes for Regional Regulation and Budget
In response, Member of DPRD Indramayu Regency Commission II, Edi Fauzi, stated his commitment.
“Commission II is very concerned. We will push for two things: First, to push for the birth of a Regional Regulation on Prevention of Child Marriage so that there is a legal umbrella. Second, we will evaluate the budget for UPTD PPA and DP3AKB, don’t let the budget for child protection lose to ceremonial budgets. We will also summon the Religious Court for marriage dispensation data,” he stressed.
Ministry of Religious Affairs: KUA Tightens Rules, Rejects Child Siri Marriage
Meanwhile, Head of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Office of Indramayu Regency, Dr. H. Aghust Muhaimin, emphasized that all KUA in 31 sub-districts have been ordered to strictly implement Law No. 16 of 2019.
“KUA may not facilitate underage child siri marriage. It violates the law. We have instructed KUA to refuse and report if there is age falsification. We strengthen the School Age Youth Guidance program,” he stressed.
Author : Wari
Editor : Nuryaji
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