Recent research led by Zaitun Abdullah from Universitas Pancasila, Indonesia, has brought to light important implications surrounding the newly revised marriage age laws in Indonesia. The government has raised the minimum age for women to marry from 16 to 19 years, a change intended to align with the principle of maslahah mursalah, which emphasizes societal welfare. However, this adjustment has led to a surge in marriage dispensations sought from Syariah Courts, raising questions about the effectiveness of the new regulation.
Abdullah’s study, published in the journal ‘Nurani,’ highlights that the implementation of this law has not significantly reduced the number of underage marriages. The research utilized a constructivist approach, gathering primary data from Babelan, Bekasi, and analyzing secondary data from ten Syariah Court judges’ rulings on petitions for underage marriages. The findings indicate that the government’s efforts in socializing this new regulation have been inadequate, leading to continued challenges in safeguarding community welfare.
“The implementation of the Marriage Law which regulates the age limit for marriage is considered to have not been able to reduce the number of underage marriages,” Abdullah stated. This suggests a disconnect between policy intention and on-the-ground realities, which could have broader implications for societal stability and economic development.
While the research primarily focuses on social and legal aspects, there are commercial impacts worth considering, particularly for the energy sector. A stable society, where laws are respected and effectively enforced, is crucial for attracting investments and fostering economic growth. If underage marriages continue to be prevalent, it could lead to social instability, which in turn might deter foreign investments in various sectors, including energy.
Moreover, the energy sector could explore opportunities in community engagement and education initiatives that align with the government’s efforts to promote welfare. By investing in programs that support social development and awareness around legal frameworks, energy companies could not only contribute to societal well-being but also enhance their corporate social responsibility profiles.
In summary, the findings from Abdullah’s research underscore the need for effective implementation of laws to ensure societal welfare, which is critical for economic stability and growth. The energy sector should take note of these dynamics, as they can influence investment climates and community relations, ultimately affecting their operations and opportunities in Indonesia.
