Syawal Tradition, 144 Couples in Aceh Besar Get Married After Eid Even Though Gold Prices Soar

ACEH BESAR - The Office of the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) in Aceh Besar Regency has recorded a significant increase in the number of marriages after Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah. During this month of Syawal, as many as 144 couples have been recorded to have held a marriage contract, both at the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) and outside the office.

The head of the Aceh Besar Religious Affairs Office, Saifuddin, revealed that the phenomenon of high marriage rates after Eid is an annual tradition that is common in Aceh society. According to him, the number is still potentially climbing up to the end of the month of Syawal.

"Every year after Eid al-Fitr, the number of married couples tends to increase. This is a tradition in the community. This number could continue to increase until the end of this Syawal," said Saifuddin as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, April 1.

Based on data collected so far, of the total 144 couples, 57 couples chose to hold a marriage contract at the KUA office. Meanwhile, the other 87 couples preferred to hold the sacred procession outside the office, such as in private homes, mosques, or other locations.

This spike is striking when compared to previous months throughout 2026. It was recorded in January there were only 99 marriage events, while in February the figure decreased to 47 couples.

Saifuddin assessed that the momentum of Syawal was chosen because the atmosphere of Eid al-Fitr happiness was still thick. In addition, the gathering of relatives from abroad is a technical reason that makes it easier to hold a wedding ceremony. Religiously, the community also refers to the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad SAW who married Sayyidah Aisyah in the month of Syawal.

"Therefore, people believe that Syawal is a good month to start a new life in the household," he said.

Interestingly, the high price of gold, which currently touches the figure of Rp. 8.2 million per mayam, does not discourage the intentions of prospective brides. Saifuddin considers this not a big obstacle because most marriages have been planned for a long time. Although the dowry in Aceh is synonymous with gold, he emphasizes that the amount of dowry is a family agreement whose principle is not burdensome.

The Ministry of Religion also reminded the public about the marriage administration fee scheme. According to the applicable rules, marriages held at the KUA office during working hours are not charged or zero rupiah. Meanwhile, for marriages outside the office or outside working hours, a Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) tariff of Rp. 600 thousand is charged which is deposited directly through the bank.

So far, the marriage registration service in all KUA areas of Aceh Besar has been ensured to run normally and smoothly. The Ministry of Religion continues to appeal to prospective brides and grooms to follow the official procedures and marriage guidance as a means of building a family.

"Marriage is a worship. All affairs and needs have certainly been prepared. Of course, the high price of gold lately does not hinder the good intentions of the public to build a household," concluded Saifuddin.