Taking out a marriage contract only requires six people -- a guardian, a deputy of local religious affairs, two witnesses, besides the bride and groomMakassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA) - The COVID-19 Task Force in South Sulawesi Province has dispersed a number of wedding parties as such gatherings could potentially worsen the spread of the coronavirus, said Vice Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman on Tuesday.
Couples who are planning to wed and had registered with the religious affairs office before the work-from-home policy took effect must consider taking out a marriage contract in view of the COVID-19 outbreak, he added.
“Taking out a marriage contract only requires six people -- a guardian, a deputy of local religious affairs, two witnesses, besides the bride and groom," he explained.
In fact, to curb the spread of coronavirus infections, ulemas and ustadz (Muslim priests) have asked couples who want to get married to opt for a marriage contract as the number of people required for such a ceremony is limited, he further stated.
The bride and groom, guardian, deputy of local religious affairs, and witnesses participating in a contract marriage should follow the WHO guidelines, particularly those on physical distancing, he advised.
South Sulawesi has reported 50 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Monday (March 30).
In a related development, the Religious Affairs Ministry has launched an online registration service for Indonesians planning to get married, as part of efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Brides and grooms can access the ministry's online registration service on simkah.kemenag.go.id, director general of the Islamic Community Guidance at the Religious Affairs Ministry, Kamaruddin Amin, informed journalists on Tuesday.
“On account of the work-from-home policy, the ministry's employees can still serve those in need," he remarked, while asking couples planning on holding a wedding party to take into account the current COVID-19 emergency status.
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Translator: Abdul Kadir/Suharto
Editor: Sri Haryati
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