Cianjur Religious Court Issued 196 Child Marriage Dispension Letters, Health Office Asks Parents To Understand The Risk Of Early Marriage

CIANJUR - Cianjur Health Office, West Java, asked parents not to allow their children to marry early because of various risks, including being vulnerable to being victims of domestic violence (KDRT).

The head of the Cianjur Health Office, Dr. Irvan Nur Fauzy, said that the rise of underage marriages in Cianjur throughout 2023 must be a concern for all parties, including parents, because they are very vulnerable to various risks.

"Children's marriages cannot just be done easily because there is a need for monitoring and screening, especially in the health sector, it is very risky. Girls are in the development of genital organs plus psychologically and mentally still vulnerable," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, July 16.

Thus, parents who want to marry their young children are better off thinking for the future and regarding the health and safety of their children because when they are psychological or mentally they are not ready, there will be cracks in households and domestic violence.

Data from the Cianjur Religious Court, said Irvan, during the January-13 July 2023 period, 196 child marriage recommendations had been issued, an increase compared to the previous year.

"We will coordinate with cross-sectoral to reduce the number of early marriages that can pose a high risk to those who live it. Especially so far, there have been many stunting cases that have befell children from young couples," he said.

To reduce the number of early marriages and prevent an increase in stunting rates, the Cianjur Regency Government held a free marriage program on the condition that the bride and groom were over 20 years old and a number of other requirements.

The Regent of Cianjur, Herman Suherman, said that free marriage is open to couples from Cianjur, underprivileged families, over 20 years old, and physically and mentally healthy.

"Part of the free wedding program, including the penghulu, the marriage witness, the reception venue at the Pramuka and Korpri Building, catering services, wedding cars, and patwal cars are facilities that prospective brides and grooms can enjoy," he said.