"This is the second time we have held such an event, following a similar initiative involving 100 couples two months ago. Note that this program has also been replicated in several regions," Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar remarked during the ceremony.
He highlighted that the mass wedding, officially titled Nikah Fest, serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to assisting citizens, especially the underprivileged, in getting married in a legal and dignified manner.
On that note, the minister acknowledged that many Indonesians face financial hurdles in getting legally married. Hence, the government intends the mass wedding program to relieve couples of all wedding expenses.
"The government bears all the costs, including fees for marriage registrars. In fact, we have reserved hotel rooms for the married couples for tonight," Umar pointed out.
He added that each couple would also receive Rp2 million (US$121) in business capital to help them achieve economic self-reliance.
"Couples participating in this program are economically disadvantaged people. I believe that no other countries offer such assistance, which greatly reduces the expenses of weddings," he stated.
Further highlighting the program’s significance, Umar underlined that in Indonesia, the families of married couples tend to spend around Rp100 million (US$6 thousand) on a wedding ceremony.
"Such a huge amount of money is better used as business capital or to support children’s education," he argued.
Bearing that in mind, he reiterated that the government aims for the mass wedding program to facilitate residents in getting legally married while simplifying complex administrative processes.
"This program can become a positive tradition and a momentum to promote economic prudence and modest lifestyles," he said.
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Translator: Asep F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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