Indonesia - Recent

Indonesia continues to grapple with one of the highest rates of child marriages in the world due to economic instability, with experts calling for more preventative measures and support for child brides.

Azizah Atika is a child bride who entered into marriage two years ago at the tender age of 16. She was a young high school student who still enjoyed studying and spending time with her friends.

However, her life took a drastic turn when she discovered her pregnancy while pursuing her education. This situation left her with no choice but to get married due to the stigma around abortion in Indonesia, which is culturally and religiously frowned upon.

Unfortunately, Atika's story is far from unique. Putri Maulani, another Indonesian girl, also had to drop out of school at 16 to get married.

In 2019, the Indonesian government amended the Marriage Law, raising the minimum marriage age to 19 years old for both genders. However, the Southeast Asian country still has the highest number of child marriages in the world, according to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

Curbing the issue has been particularly challenging after the COVID-19 pandemic, as economic uncertainty remains a big reason for the continuous rise of child marriage in Indonesia.

Aside from preventative measures, experts are also urging the government to create programs to support existing child brides, including access to schooling, healthcare, and employment training.

Shotlist:
Indonesia - Recent:
1. Various of Azizah Atika, child bride, washing dishes, taking care of baby;
2. SOUNDBITE (Indonesian) Azizah Atika, child bride:
"My parents forced me to get married. I didn't have a choice. If it were up to me, I would focus on myself, my education, and having fun with my friends, but I can't. Now I have to think about my child. I have other priorities.";
3. Various of Atika doing chore;
4. Various of Putri Maulani, child bride, taking care of baby;
5. SOUNDBITE (Indonesian) Putri Maulani, child bride:
"My dream at the time was to build a career for myself, but my boyfriend wanted me to get married. He said we were ready, so my work took a step back.";
6. Various of Maulani taking care of baby;
7. Poster, ribbon on wall;
8. Various of Abby Gina Moang, expert with Indonesia Women Journal, at work;
9. SOUNDBITE (Indonesian) Abby Gina Moang, genders studies expert with Indonesia Women Journal:
"Child marriage is mainly caused by poverty. In many urban areas and outskirts of villages, this is the main reason. Sometimes the aim is to reduce the burden on the child's family or they believe it will improve the family's situation. Another aspect is the lack of sex education in schools. The government should teach young people about the risk of sexual behavior and marriage.";
10. Various of Atika taking care of baby;
11. Man pushing cart on rural street; kids playing ball;
12. Docked boats.

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