Ministry Of Religion Asks Bride And Groom Candidates To Postpone Marriage Contracts During The COVID-19 Emergency Period

JAKARTA - The Directorate General (Dirjen) of Islamic Community Guidance (Bimas) of the Ministry of Religion has asked the public to postpone the marriage contract procession during the corona pandemic. The Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) also temporarily does not provide services for the marriage ceremony for the bride and groom.

"We have issued a new circular as of April 2, 2020. Applications for the implementation of the marriage contract during the COVID-19 emergency period for new registration have not been served. We ask the public to postpone its implementation," said Director General of Bimas of the Ministry of Religion Kamaruddin Amin in a written statement, Friday, April 3.

Kamaruddin explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the marriage contract procession could only be carried out at the KUA and nowhere else. He asked all KUA to coordinate with the regional offices (Kanwil) of the Ministry of Religion in their respective regions.

The Ministry of Religion also implements health protocols related to corona prevention procedures, when carrying out a marriage contract procession at the KUA office. Some of them are limiting the number of guests who attend, as well as the use of masks and gloves for officers, marriage guardians and the two prospective brides when performing the consent of Kabul.

"This rule was made in a health emergency due to the COVID-19 outbreak. I hope the public can understand and adjust it," said Kamaruddin.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Religion does not recommend that the marriage contract be carried out virtually through video calls or online. Because the marriage contract must be carried out in accordance with the rules and applicable Islamic law.

"The implementation of the marriage contract online either by telephone, video call, or the use of other web-based applications is not permitted," he continued.

Despite asking the bride and groom to postpone the marriage contract procession, said Kamaruddin, the Ministry of Religion will still open online consultation and information services through the website www.simkah.kemenag.go.id. The Ministry of Religion ensures that it will continue to update information on marriage contract services in the midst of this Corona pandemic.

"Once again, I urge the public to take advantage of information technology to get services and to postpone requests for services that require face-to-face contact," he concluded.