Viral Underage Marriage: Secret Nyongkolan Sparks Outrage
Casal dels Infants – Underage marriage sparked public concern after a viral video of a secret nyongkolan ceremony in Lombok Tengah. The footage features a teenage couple suspected of marrying without legal documentation or parental consent. In response to the incident, the Mataram City Child Protection Agency (LPA) filed a report with the Lombok Tengah Police, prompting an ongoing investigation into the case.
The individuals involved in the video are identified as SY, a 15-year-old girl from Sukaraja Village, Praya Timur District, and SR, a 17-year-old boy from Braim Village, Praya Tengah District. Despite efforts by local authorities to prevent the marriage, the couple proceeded with the ceremony in secrecy. Afterward, attempts by village officials to halt the nyongkolan procession were unsuccessful, and the event subsequently gained attention on social media.
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Joko Jumadi, Chairman of LPA Mataram, stated that the report targets not only the parents. It also includes anyone involved in facilitating the underage marriage. “We are reporting all parties who facilitated this child marriage, including the parents and any religious officiant who may have conducted the ceremony,” Joko said. This case adds to the growing list of challenges faced by the government in combating child marriage practices.
The Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) has expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing that forcing a child into marriage is a legal violation. Minister Arifah Fauzi condemned the act. She highlighted that such practices are rooted in outdated cultural values conflicting with Indonesia’s legal standards. She reiterated that the Marriage Law sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 19 years. Furthermore, the Child Sexual Crimes Law categorizes forced child marriages as acts of sexual violence.
Although the rate of child marriage has decreased to approximately 5% in 2024, the absolute number remains high. The consequences are evident in increased school dropout rates, stunting, and low average years of schooling in various regions. “Legal measures are crucial to deter parents from forcing their children into marriage, but they are not enough to awaken the public’s conscience,” Minister Arifah stated. She also mentioned that child marriage issues were a focal point during Indonesia’s dialogue with the Committee on the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Geneva in early May 2025.
KemenPPPA encourages children in NTB, especially members of the Child Forum, to voice their aspirations. Minister Arifah hopes that NTB can become a child-friendly region free from the practice of child marriage. “Be supportive peers. Create safe spaces to discuss reproductive health, violence, exploitation, and personal development,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, Iptu Luk Luk Il Maqnun, Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Lombok Tengah Police, confirmed they have received a report from LPA Mataram. They are now proceeding by summoning relevant witnesses. “The report has just come in. We will call the involved parties for further investigation,” Luk Luk stated.
This underage marriage case underscores the ongoing challenges in eradicating child marriage practices and highlights the need for collective efforts to protect children’s rights and ensure their well-being.
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