Declining Marriage Rates in Indonesia: Causes and Impacts
The phenomenon of declining marriage rates in Indonesia is increasingly under serious scrutiny, particularly among academics. This trend reflects a shift in values and priorities within modern society, especially among the younger generation.
Researcher and lecturer in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (IKK), Faculty of Human Ecology at IPB University, Risda Rizkillah, SSi, MSi, revealed that marriage is no longer viewed as a primary symbol of prestige or social status. Instead, many young people prefer to prioritise personal development.
“Marriage is no longer the top priority. The younger generation tends to focus on education, careers, and personal experiences before deciding to marry,” said Risda in her statement.
Risda explained that this phenomenon is triggered by a combination of increasingly complex social, economic, and cultural factors. From an economic perspective, high living costs and job market uncertainty pose real barriers for those wishing to start a family.
Additionally, longer durations of education and a strong career orientation further widen opportunities for delaying marriage age. Changes in social norms also play a significant role, where non-marital relationships are beginning to be normalised in some segments of society.
The following is a summary of the factors influencing the decline in marriage rates according to Risda Rizkillah’s analysis:
This decline in marriage rates is not without risks. Risda warns of threats to the national demographic structure. With Indonesia’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) currently at 2.19, the drop in marriages has the potential to further suppress birth rates.
Socially, this trend risks increasing loneliness or social isolation among the elderly in the future. Meanwhile, from a health perspective, Risda highlights the risk of rising sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV/AIDS) if the decline in marriages is accompanied by increased sexual activity outside official bonds without consistent health protection.
To address this challenge, Risda emphasises the need to change public perceptions. Marriage must be repositioned as a desirable life goal (marriage is desirable), not something frightening. This requires family education packaged in a way that is relevant to the characteristics of the current generation.
She also encourages the government to intervene through family-friendly public policies, including:
Ongoing research is also deemed crucial to continuously monitor changes in norms and behaviour among the younger generation to maintain the resilience of Indonesian families in the future.