Marriage fees vary

Marriage fees vary

From Republika

"Unregistered marriages" are still a frequent practice in many regions, which is why I repeatedly suggest to acquaintances and close neighbors to be married at the district office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (KUA). Only then is a marriage pronounced legal, while the cost does not differ much from a so- called "unregistered marriage" (KUA's marriage fee is Rp 75,000 compared to Rp 40,000 for an unregistered marriage).

However, I was surprised when I learned what happened in the village of Pakuon, Sukaresnin district, Cianjur, West Java. The marriage fee quoted there was Rp 110,000. In Gunung Geulis hamlet, Sukareja district, it was as much as Rp 245,000. However, in another KUA office, the fee is only Rp 51,000, all inclusive.

I have come to the conclusion that the phrase "in the name of the law" has created a business of corruption and collusion among officials. I hope that concerned parties would have the decency to protect poor people.

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