A growing industry in Indonesia's Puncak region has come under intense criticism following reports of young women entering into temporary marriages with male tourists in exchange for a bride price. These arrangements, often referred to as "pleasure marriages," have sparked outrage both within Indonesia and abroad, with critics questioning the exploitation of vulnerable women and the legality of the practice, South China Morning Post reported.
Located in the western part of the country, Puncak is a popular destination for tourists from the Middle East, attracted by the region's natural beauty and abundance of Arabic influences. In the mountain resort of Kota Bunga, male tourists are introduced to local women through agencies, which facilitate short-term marriages. Under these arrangements, the men pay a bride price to the women, after which a brief, informal wedding ceremony is held. The marriage typically lasts only for the duration of the tourist’s stay, and is dissolved once he leaves the country.
Women involved in these marriages perform both domestic duties and provide sexual services during the temporary union. The "pleasure marriages" industry has reportedly become a significant driver of tourism in the region, as noted by a report from the Los Angeles Times, despite the widespread moral and ethical concerns surrounding it.
Historically, girls were introduced to foreign tourists through family members or acquaintances. In recent years, however, agencies have assumed a more prominent role in arranging these marriages. The women involved are often from impoverished backgrounds, turning to this practice out of economic necessity.
One such woman, identified as Cahaya, shared her story of becoming a temporary wife at just 17 years old. Speaking to the , she revealed that she has been married more than 15 times, all to Middle Eastern tourists. Her first temporary husband, a Saudi Arabian man in his 50s, paid a bride price of US$850. However, after the agent and the officiant took their share, Cahaya was left with only half of the original sum. Five days after their marriage, her husband returned to his home country, and they were divorced.
Cahaya explained that she typically earns between US$300 and US$500 per marriage, which helps her cover living expenses and care for her ailing grandparents. Another woman, Nisa, shared a similar story, stating that she had been married at least 20 times before meeting an Indonesian man and leaving the practice behind. She is now married with two children and says she has no intention of returning to her previous life.
These temporary unions, referred to as nikah mut’ah, are rooted in Shia Islam tradition. However, many Islamic scholars, including those within the Shia community, denounce the practice as unethical and incompatible with the true purpose of marriage. Indonesian law does not recognise nikah mut’ah as legitimate, as it contradicts the country's legal definition of marriage, which is intended to establish a stable, long-term family relationship. Violations of Indonesia’s marriage laws can result in fines, imprisonment, and social or religious repercussions.
The issue of temporary marriages has recently gained attention on Chinese social media platform Weibo, after Chinese media outlets reported on the phenomenon. Public reactions have been largely critical. One user commented: "This dark industry of temporary marriages may boost tourism and the local economy, that’s why it likely leaves even the government feeling powerless." Another remarked: "This reminds me of the girls in impoverished rural villages in China. To change their fate, they need to be empowered with education and skills to support themselves."
As the controversy surrounding these "pleasure marriages" continues to grow, questions are being raised about the exploitation of women in Indonesia’s poorest regions and the role of authorities in regulating such practices.
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