Young Indonesians Urged to Ignore Dating, Move Straight to Marriage
Some Indonesians believe the country would be better off if single people stopped wasting time on dating.
Writer La Ode Munafar started a group called Indonesia Tanpa Pacaran, or Indonesia Without Courtship, about two years ago.
He and his group say Indonesians spend too much time and energy on trying to find the perfect mate. They want young people to stop looking around for such a person, and go straight to marriage.
"Dating only wastes time, energy and money for a moment's pleasure," said Munafar. "It's not for serious relationships or building a house."
The social movement has been gaining popularity. Its popularity has increased concerns about child marriage in the country.
With permission from their parents, Indonesian girls can legally marry at age 16, but boys must wait until they are 19. Children younger than 16 can get married secretly.
Cultural pressure is not the only reason for more child marriages. Poverty and a lack of social services are other possible reasons.
The anti-dating movement appears to be a product of Indonesia’s cultural and religious environment. The movement urges Indonesians to reject Valentine’s Day, the traditional holiday for lovers.
The group suggests unmarried people try ta’aruf, an Islamic cultural tradition, instead of dating. Ta’aruf is a way of getting to know a future husband or wife through family members.
