53 couples married off

Another 53 poor couples were married off at the Kalideres bus terminal in West Jakarta on Thursday because their current marriage status is still considered illegal.

During the collective wedding, the brides and bridegrooms, all residents of the Kamal and Tegalalur sub-districts, were formally registered at the local Islamic Marriage Office and now must abide by the rights and obligations of husbands and wives.

Most of the couples, who were originally wed without the consent of the Islamic Marriage Office, already have children.

West Jakarta Mayor Sutardiyanto attended the wedding ceremony.

Antara reported that 45 couples from the same subdistricts were also married off just last month. (hhr)