Fortais 'Golek Garwo' Programme Facilitates 19,000 Marriages Since 2006

The ‘Golek Garwo’ matchmaking programme, initiated by the Forum Taaruf Indonesia (Fortais), has led approximately 19,000 couples to marriage since it was first held in 2006. Approaching its 20th year, the programme is being held again in collaboration with the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) as part of the Nikah Fest and Islamic Wedding Expo at the SMESCO Exhibition Hall, South Jakarta, on 27-28 June 2026.

Chairman of Fortais, also known as the Golek Garwo Community, Ryan Budi Nuryanto, stated that the programme has become a platform for singles seeking a life partner seriously. ‘Alhamdulillah, the Golek Garwo activity has been running for approximately 20 years, since 2006, and takes place every year. The Golek Garwo programme has successfully graduated 19,000 couples who eventually married, including myself, who is an alumnus of Golek Garwo,’ Ryan told Republika on the sidelines of the event on Sunday.

According to Ryan, Golek Garwo is not merely an introduction event but a forum specifically designed to bring together men and women who have a strong intention to marry. ‘Here, our role is to facilitate. We bring together single men and women from all over Indonesia. Occasionally, there are even participants from abroad looking to find their soulmate at the Golek Garwo event,’ he said.

He explained that members of the public wishing to join the programme can simply register online or directly at the event location. However, the main requirement is a genuine commitment to marriage. ‘The registration process is simple; the key is that participants must have the intention to marry. Without that intention, this programme will not succeed. We provide all facilities leading up to the marriage free of charge,’ he said.

Ryan stated that the facilities provided cover not only the partner search process but also the implementation of the wedding itself. ‘Everything from the dowry, the marriage contract fees, make-up, to the honeymoon is free,’ he said.

According to Ryan, public interest in Golek Garwo continues to increase. At the start of registration this year, the number of participants reached around 350 and continues to grow. ‘I am confident it can reach a thousand participants. I am optimistic because in previous years the number of participants has always been high,’ he said.