108 Mass Marriage Couples In Palangka Raya, Some Already Have Grandchildren

A total of 108 couples took part in the free mass marriage program in Palangka Raya City, Central Kalimantan. (Between)

KALTENG - A total of 108 couples of various ages took part in the free mass marriage program held by Pahandut District, Palangka Raya City, Central Kalimantan Province (Kalteng).

"There were 108 participants who took part in the mass wedding. Participants ranged from young couples to couples who already have grandchildren," said the Pahandut sub-district head, Berlianto in Palangka Raya, Monday, August 1.

This mass marriage is also accompanied by a marriage isbat trial, specifically for couples who have married "under the hands" or married siri.

The marriage isbat trial itself is an application for ratification of marriage that is submitted to the court to declare the marriage valid and have legal force.

Berlianto explained that the marriage contract program and the isbat trial were also in collaboration with the Religious Courts of the City of Palangka Raya and the Population and Civil Registration Office and the local city's Ministry of Religion Office.

"This program is also an effort by the government to invite the public to be obedient and orderly in population administration records, including having a marriage book as proof that the relationship is legally valid," said Berlianto, reported by Antara.

He said that 108 marriage contract couples and the isbat trial followed the file verification stage at the Palangka Raya City Religious Court Office.

For couples who are married and pass the file, they will continue to attend the isbat trial. Meanwhile, if the couple's files do not pass, they will be included in the marriage contract which will be held on August 15.

Then, for unmarried couples, the marriage contract will be held on August 15 at the Pahandut District office. During the mass wedding, the committee will also prepare 15 wedding dresses and make-up for the bride and groom.

"If the blessing of an unregistered marriage partner is declared valid, then resident documents can be issued immediately, such as marriage books, family cards to child birth certificates and child identity cards," he said.

The population document will be issued later on August 15 after the trial in the District. Later, the participants were directed to print documents independently at the Automated Teller Machine (ADM) managed by Disdukcapil.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Palangka Raya, Fairid Naparin, said that the free marriage contract program and free isbat session were one of the services provided by the government to the community.

"Currently, population documents are very important and are a basic requirement in administering government services. For example, to register children for school, get access to health services and so on," he said.

Through this service, he hopes to increase public awareness about the importance of completeness and registration of population administration. "So that by having complete population administration, every citizen will be able to access all services provided by the government more easily," he said.