It is a challenge for all of us, but we need to be persistent in educating residents to prevent the recurrence of child marriagesJakarta (ANTARA) - Criminal law enforcement can be used to address the child marriage issue though prevention will remain a priority, the Deputy for Fulfillment of Children's Rights at the Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry has said.
“It is a challenge for all of us, but we need to be persistent in educating residents to prevent the recurrence of child marriages,” Agustina Erni remarked in a statement issued here on Monday.
She issued the statement in response to a recent report about a child marriage in Wajo district, South Sulawesi.
Two high school students from the district were wed after their parents insisted their marriage proceed despite the regional authority not issuing a permit for underage marriages.
"I hope we will be attentive to this case to work together in unison to prevent child marriages that continue to occur in Indonesia. Child marriage brings negative effects to the child," Erni said.
She pointed out that the Wajo District Regulation No. 15 of 2014 on Child Protection elucidates measures to prevent and handle child marriage cases, under which cultural-based prevention measures by approaching local religious figures are essential.
The authority can also enhance the function of the local child marriage prevention task force established under the district head decree, she said.
The official said that if the marriage must proceed, then the bride and groom must be provided information about the importance of child education, healthcare, and childcare preparation by the relevant government institutions.
The bride and groom's parents must also seek a special permit from the local authorities before the marriage to ensure their child's rights are not violated, she added.
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Translator: Anita Permata D, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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