Early Marriage: Force or Choice?

LABUAN BAJO TERKINI – Early marriage remains a complex phenomenon in many countries, including Indonesia. Data from UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) shows that Indonesia has one of the highest rates of early marriage in Southeast Asia.

This practice has led to a long debate on whether early marriage is the result of coercion or a conscious choice of the individual.

There are several factors that trigger early marriage: economic pressure, tradition and social values.

First, economic pressures, in the context of poor families, sometimes lead to child marriage as an economic solution.

For example, in rural areas, parents are forced to choose to marry off their daughters to better-off families to reduce the financial burden or to obtain a dowry.

Second, Tradition. In some communities, there are beliefs about arranged marriages.

For example, women are often matched with men from their mother’s or father’s family. In some areas, this tradition is still upheld, as they believe that arranged marriages can strengthen family relationships.

Lastly, social values are caused by beliefs that have become part of cultural identity and are difficult to change.

One example is the notion that women who marry late will be considered “old maids” and will bring shame to the family. As a result, many families feel compelled to encourage their children to marry at a young age.

On the other hand, there is a view that early marriage is a personal choice. Some teenagers feel ready to marry easily based on their desires.

For them, early marriage can be a solution to avoid promiscuity or actions that are contrary to their religious values. In addition, for them, marrying at a young age is natural and even expected, as it aligns with their traditions and customs.

So, early marriage is not only an external pressure, but it is also a free choice.

Although some adolescents claim that they choose to marry young, the decision is often made without a deep understanding of the consequences they will face.

The repercussions of early marriage are many nowadays, such as sexual abuse and the effect on health, as well as education and the economy, proving how vital the prevention and protection of children’s rights are.

Oleh: Helmina Astiana Goreti – Mahasiswi Prodi Bahasa Inggris Unika St Paulus Ruteng Manggarai