15 Children's Partners At OKU Dispensation, Majority Because They Are Pregnant Outside Of Marriage

Head of the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Service (DPPPA) of OKU Regency, Arman. BETWEEN/Edo Purmana

BATURAJA - The Office of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (DPPPA) of Ogan Komering Ulu Regency (OKU), South Sumatra, noted that as many as 15 underage brides and grooms proposed marriage dispensations during the period January to July 2025.

"During the January 'July 2025 period, it was recorded that 15 minors applied for a marriage dispensation," said Head of the OKU DPPPA Arman in Baturaja, Antara, Monday, August 4.

Arman explained that the brides and grooms submitted a request for a recommendation to the OKU DPPPA before continuing the marriage dispensation process to the Baturaja Religious Court (PA).

Of that number, about 70 percent of couples are under 18 years of age and apply because they are pregnant outside of marriage.

According to Arman, recommendations can be given if the prospective male bride is considered psychologically and financially ready, while the bride and groom is approaching the age of 19 and has a basic understanding of the concept of marriage.

"Including cases of pregnancy outside of marriage, we value the right recommendation to get a marriage dispensation from the court," he explained.

Arman said that increasing promiscuity and social media influence were the main causes of the high number of pregnancy outside of marriage among teenagers.

To reduce the number of early marriages, the OKU DPPPA continues to intensify socialization to schools related to risks and the bad effects of marriage at a young age.

The OKU Regency Government is also collaborating with the Baturaja Religious Court to strengthen coordination and capacity in preventing child marriage, including protecting children's and women's rights after divorce.

"This is a form of our commitment to protecting the younger generation from the negative impact of early marriage and divorce," he said.