The East Java Regional House of Representatives Support Premarital Courses to Prevent Divorce

Surabaya – Member of Commission E of the East Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Puguh Wiji Pamungkas, expressed full support for the initiative by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) to hold courses for bachelorettes. The program aims to equip soon-to-be-married couples with essential knowledge in order to help reduce the rising divorce rate in Indonesia.

Puguh welcomes the government’s move positively, considering it a crucial step in strengthening the foundation of married life for newlyweds. “I fully support the government’s plan to hold premarital courses. This program provides a deeper understanding of family life, which can help reduce the divorce rate,” said Puguh.

According to data from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), around 2.2 million couples get married each year in Indonesia, but 35 percent of those marriages end in divorce, with 80 percent of divorces occurring within the first five years. Puguh believes that the premarital course is a strong preventive measure to reduce the divorce rate, which has the potential to lead to broader social issues.

In East Java, Puguh also highlighted the high number of divorce cases which reached 79,248 as of February 2024, making East Java the province with the second-highest number of divorce cases after West Java. “This number is very concerning, and premarital courses are one of the key steps to help reduce divorces in our province,” Puguh emphasized.

Puguh also revealed that the causes of divorce are often linked to issues such as conflict, domestic violence (KDRT), drug abuse, financial problems, and polygamy. He expressed hope that through these courses, bride-to-be can gain a better understanding of the potential challenges in marriage and learn how to handle.As a member of theThe East Java DPRD, Puguh emphasized the importance of deep understanding, emotional maturity, and spiritual readiness in entering into marriage. “Marriage is a long-term commitment that requires thorough preparation to prevent a high number of divorces in the future,” he concluded.