Rising Concern Over Early Marriage
Early marriage continues to pose serious challenges globally, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. In Palu City, the number of early marriages increased from 100 cases in 2018 to 150 cases in 2019, signaling an alarming trend. This issue is closely tied to women’s reproductive health risks, including complications during pregnancy, higher maternal mortality rates, and increased likelihood of stunting among children.
Indonesian law, specifically Law No. 16 of 2019, sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 19 years for both men and women. However, social, cultural, and economic pressures often lead families to bypass these regulations. In many communities, early marriage is still perceived as a solution to poverty or social expectations, particularly for young women.
Community-Based Intervention in Palu
The program was implemented in Silae Village, Ulujadi District, targeting junior and senior high school students, parents, and community leaders. Conducted over two days, the initiative used direct outreach methods such as educational sessions, group discussions, and interactive question-and-answer activities.
Participants received information on:
- The legal framework of marriage in Indonesia
- Health risks associated with early marriage
- Socioeconomic factors influencing early marriage
- The relationship between early pregnancy and stunting
The program also emphasized the importance of education and parental involvement in preventing child marriage. According to the documentation shown in the activity report (page 9 of the article), the sessions attracted active participation from students and community members, indicating strong local engagement.
Simple Methods, Practical Solutions
The methodology focused on community service outreach rather than experimental research. The team conducted field observations, identified local issues, and designed tailored educational materials. The approach relied on direct communication and participatory learning to ensure the message was easily understood by diverse audiences.
In addition to education, the program introduced a practical economic solution: soft skills training in producing green tea and Thai tea beverages. This component aimed to empower young women economically and reduce the financial pressures that often drive early marriage.
Key Findings
The program identified several major drivers of early marriage in Palu:
- Economic hardship within families
- Low levels of education
- Cultural norms and social pressure
- Limited knowledge of reproductive health
- Lack of employment opportunities
The study also highlighted the wide-ranging impacts of early marriage:
- Increased risk of maternal and infant mortality
- Higher incidence of stunting and malnutrition
- School dropout among adolescents
- Greater vulnerability to domestic violence
- Higher divorce rates due to emotional immaturity
These findings reinforce the understanding that early marriage is not only a personal issue but also a systemic problem linked to poverty, education, and gender inequality.
Economic Empowerment Through Green Tea Training
One of the most innovative aspects of the program is the integration of entrepreneurship training. Young women were taught how to produce and sell green tea products using simple, accessible materials. As shown in the activity documentation (page 11), participants engaged in hands-on training sessions, learning production techniques and basic business concepts.
This approach offers a practical pathway for financial independence. By gaining income-generating skills, young women are less likely to view early marriage as their only option. The training also contributes to local economic development by encouraging small-scale entrepreneurship.
Real-World Impact and Policy Implications
The program demonstrates that combining education with economic empowerment can effectively address the root causes of early marriage. Increased awareness among students and parents helps shift attitudes, while skills training provides tangible alternatives.
For policymakers, the findings highlight the need for:
- Stronger enforcement of marriage age regulations
- Integration of reproductive health education into school curricula
- Expanded economic empowerment programs for young women
- Community-based interventions tailored to local contexts
The initiative also supports broader national goals, including reducing stunting rates, improving maternal health, and breaking cycles of poverty.
Sitti Rahmawati from Universitas Tadulako emphasized the importance of a holistic approach. She noted that preventing early marriage requires not only education but also opportunities for young people to build sustainable livelihoods.
Author Profiles
Sitti Rahmawati is a lecturer in the Department of Economics and Business at Universitas Tadulako, specializing in community empowerment and development economics.
Mudrajad Kuncoro, is a senior academic from the Vocational School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, with expertise in regional economics and public policy.
Yohan, Nurnaningsih, and Muhammad Akbar are researchers from Universitas Tadulako focusing on social development, community engagement, and economic empowerment initiatives.
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