Bride And Groom Candidates In Bengkulu Must Plant One Fruit Tree Seed Before Marriage

JAKARTA - Living a household life is not only a matter of outer and outer readiness, but also concerning responsibility for the environment.

That is a symbolic message that wants to be instilled through a fruit tree planting program for prospective couples who are getting married. Fruit trees are chosen because they have a sustainable value, can grow, benefit, and witness the long journey of a new family.

In line with this idea, the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) expressed its support for the steps taken by the Bengkulu City Government (Pemkot) which launched the Menanam Serba Buah Movement (Genambah).

Through this program, every bride and groom is required to bring and plant a fruit tree seed before holding a wedding. Planting can be done in the yard of your own house or in other locations according to the agreement.

"Only Bengkulu City took the initiative to make this rule. We welcome it positively and are ready to fully support the local government," said Head of the Bengkulu City Ministry of Religion, Nopian Gustari, as quoted by ANTARA.

In addition to Genambah, the Bengkulu City Ministry of Religion also supports the Marriage School program initiated by the Bengkulu City Government. This program provides briefing for prospective couples to have knowledge, skills, and mental readiness in undergoing households, so that they are expected to be able to reduce the divorce rate.

With the obligation to plant trees and attend a marriage school, the bride and groom will not only get provisions to build a family that is sakinah, mawaddah, and warahmah, but also raises concern for environmental sustainability.

The Mayor of Bengkulu, Dedy Wahyudi, emphasized that the rules for bringing one fruit tree seed were not intended to burden residents. Seeds can be purchased at affordable prices or grafted by themselves, then planted in the yard.

"It is enough to be photographed as evidence and reported to the local village head. If it is not planted at home, the seeds can be handed over to the kelurahan to be planted together," he explained.