Reasons Behind the Silent Wedding Halls: Not Unwilling but Unable to Afford?

Marriage rates in Indonesia have experienced a significant decline over the past decade. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the number of marriages has continued to fall since 2013, dropping from over 2 million couples in 2018 to approximately 1.5 million marriages in 2023. This decline is expected to continue into the coming years.

Educational psychology experts suggest that the decline in marriage rates among young people does not occur without cause. According to Prof Halim Purnomo from UMY, young people today tend to be more cautious when making major life decisions, including ending their single status. Financial considerations, career stability, and mental readiness have become dominant factors in this decision-making process.

“Young people understand that marriage is not a one or two-day journey, but a life journey. Therefore, thorough preparation is needed to unite two different individuals and two different families so they can move forward together and minimise risks in their household,” Prof Halim stated.

Beyond economic and career considerations, psychological factors also significantly influence young people’s decisions to delay marriage. Halim believes that emerging concerns about commitment and trust between couples represent a cause that is often unrecognised. Past family experiences, such as parental divorce, can shape a more cautious attitude towards marriage.

“Some people feel fear towards commitment, which in psychological terms is called gamophobia. Others have witnessed their parents’ divorce and therefore worry about repeating the same experience. When distrust emerges, a person tends to delay marriage because they want to be genuinely certain that their choice is right,” he said.