Angka Pernikahan Terus Menurun, Makin Banyak Orang Enggan Nikah? | LIPSUS

Summary

In Indonesia, marriage rates have dropped by 25% in recent years, influenced by factors like rising living costs, past trauma, and fear of commitment. Many young adults are postponing marriage due to concerns over financial instability, emotional readiness, and past experiences of broken homes or domestic violence. The trend is also fueled by a focus on personal goals like education and career. As fewer people marry, birth rates are expected to decline, raising concerns about an aging population and economic pressures. The government is considering premarital education to address these issues and better prepare future couples for marriage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The common question 'When will you get married?' is frequently asked during festive seasons like Eid, coming from relatives and acquaintances.
• 😀 The marriage rate in Indonesia has significantly dropped by 25% in recent years, with the steepest decline occurring between 2019 and 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 😀 Despite the pandemic, the trend of declining marriages has continued, with the number of marriages in 2023 dropping to 1.5 million compared to over 2 million in 2018.
• 😀 Many young people are choosing to delay or avoid marriage due to various factors such as financial pressure, past negative experiences, and uncertainty in finding the right partner.
• 😀 Personal stories, such as Ana's, show that some people are not opposed to marriage but choose to remain single because they feel unprepared or fear potential responsibilities.
• 😀 Pinky, another example, delays marriage due to her traumatic childhood experiences in a broken home, leading to skepticism about the institution of marriage.
• 😀 The rise in domestic violence (KDRT) and infidelity in marriages has made many young people more cautious about marriage, as it is no longer viewed as purely idyllic.
• 😀 Traumatic experiences in childhood, like living in a broken home, can result in a lack of trust in relationships and a reluctance to marry for some individuals.
• 😀 Education and career advancements are other significant reasons for delaying marriage, as many individuals prioritize personal growth over settling down.
• 😀 The declining marriage rate leads to a decrease in birth rates and a shrinking productive population, posing a potential future demographic crisis similar to Japan and South Korea's aging populations.
• 😀 The government has a crucial role in addressing the challenges of declining marriage rates by promoting family-friendly environments, offering pre-marriage counseling, and implementing policies to reduce the financial burden of starting a family.

Q & A

Why is the marriage rate in Indonesia declining?

The marriage rate in Indonesia has dropped by nearly 25% in recent years, with a sharp decline between 2019 and 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to delays in weddings. The trend has continued into 2023, signaling a shift in people's attitudes towards marriage.

What factors are causing people to delay or avoid marriage in Indonesia?

Several factors contribute to the delay in marriage, including the high cost of living, past negative experiences, unresolved personal issues, and the inability to find the right partner. These concerns are compounded by the fear of entering into unhealthy marriages due to societal issues like domestic violence and infidelity.

How have personal experiences, such as childhood trauma, influenced people's decision to avoid marriage?

Personal experiences, especially growing up in families with unstable marriages or exposure to domestic violence, can create lasting trauma. This makes individuals skeptical about relationships and hesitant to commit to marriage, as they fear repeating negative patterns they witnessed in their youth.

What role does mental and financial readiness play in the decision to marry?

Mental and financial readiness are crucial factors in deciding whether to marry. People are increasingly aware of the responsibilities marriage brings, including emotional maturity and financial stability. As a result, many choose to delay marriage until they feel more equipped to handle these challenges.

Why is there a growing skepticism about the institution of marriage among millennials in Indonesia?

Millennials in Indonesia are becoming more cautious about marriage due to high-profile cases of domestic violence, infidelity, and other marital problems. These incidents, combined with fears of not finding a compatible partner, have made people more hesitant to enter marriage.

What impact does the rising divorce rate have on people's attitudes toward marriage?

The increasing divorce rate and incidents of domestic violence have made people more cautious about marriage. These concerns lead individuals to carefully select their partners, as they want to avoid entering a potentially harmful relationship.

How does education and career contribute to delayed marriages in Indonesia?

Education and career development are significant factors in delaying marriage. Many individuals prioritize achieving career goals and securing financial stability before considering marriage, which leads to postponed weddings as they focus on their personal development.

What potential demographic challenges does Indonesia face due to delayed marriages?

Delayed marriages lead to fewer children being born, which in turn reduces the number of people in the workforce. This could result in an aging population, creating economic pressures as the ratio of working-age individuals to retirees shrinks.

How can the government address the challenges associated with delayed marriages?

The government can help by creating a supportive environment for young families, offering pre-marriage education on financial and emotional readiness, and implementing flexible policies that reduce the financial burden on those considering marriage and parenthood.

What is the proposed solution to help couples better prepare for marriage in Indonesia?

One proposal is a semester-long pre-marriage course that would equip couples with the skills needed to navigate marriage, such as communication, conflict management, and financial planning. This would aim to reduce the likelihood of divorce by preparing individuals for the responsibilities of marriage.