Alternative Policies for Handling Abhakalan Problem of Early Marriage in Madura

Abstract

Dispensation of early marriage in Madura is almost evenly distributed in four districts in Madura. The problem of early marriage is inseparable from the cultural factor of abhakalan which has become a tradition of arranged marriages from an early age. The implementation of Law Number 16 of 2019 concerning marriage, especially the age limit for marriage, has so far not been optimally applied to village communities. This study aims to provide alternative policies in dealing with the problem of early marriage in Madura. The method used in this research is qualitative with a literature review based on secondary data sources. Then the various data sources were analyzed through three approaches, namely; partnership, networking, and participatory. The results of the study show that alternative policies through three approaches (partnership, networking, and participatory) can be combined with the Madurese philosophical bupa' (father), babu (mother), guruh (teacher), rato (leader) where there is compliance in carrying out the policy because some of these subjects are highly respected by the Madurese people. Each of their roles is the government (rato) as a partner in carrying out programs based on existing policies, kiai and teachers (guruh) in providing religious education and character education, and parents (bupa' and babu) in the process of parenting and the main prevention of culture abhakalan.

Baby engagement within the traditional ulama of the Madurese ethnicity: a Maṣlaḥa analysis

“…Indonesia's strong patrilineal, matrilineal, and parental structures underscore the paramount role of parental and familial authority in marriages (Indah, 2022). Similarly, within Madurese ulama-led infant matchmaking, adherence to parental authority and safeguarding family reputation lead to accepting arranged partners (Ridwan, Susanto and Rahmawati, 2023). Concerns persist that coerced arranged marriages, lacking children's consent, might significantly impact household sustainability.…”

“…In Madurese society, a cultural tradition involving arranged marriages orchestrated by the family, commonly by parents or relatives, is referred to as "abhakalan" (Ridwan, Susanto and Rahmawati, 2023). This abhakalan is not bound by age restrictions, as it is applicable to both adults and minors, even extending to individuals yet to be born.…”

“…This form of matchmaking is motivated by the imperative to preserve the political lineage's identity and maintain the cohesion of familial bonds. The practise serves to uphold the sanctity of brotherhood (sa taretanan) and kinship (sa bhela'an) between two familial units (Ridwan, Susanto and Rahmawati, 2023). Additionally, it endeavours to forestall children from engaging in actions that contravene religious and customary standards.…”