The number of divorce cases in Cilacap Religious Court has seen a rise in 2024, according to AF Maftukhin, the Public Relations Officer of the court. In the Central Java region, the cases increased by approximately 4.48% compared to the previous year. Maftukhin revealed that in 2023, there were 5,750 divorce cases, which escalated to 6,008 cases in 2024. The trend of increasing divorce rates has been consistent in Cilacap over the years, predominantly initiated by wives filing for divorce.
### Factors Contributing to Divorce
Among the cases in 2023, 4,178 were filed as a divorce petition by the wives, known as “cerai gugat,” while the remaining 1,572 cases were classified as “cerai talak.” Moving into 2024, out of the 6,008 total cases, 4,456 were cerai gugat, and 1,552 were cerai talak. The primary reasons cited for the divorce petitions were husbands’ failure to provide financial support, domestic violence (KDRT), involvement of a third party, relocation abroad by one spouse, and the emerging issue of online gambling.
Maftukhin noted a concerning trend in the recent months leading up to January 2025, where nearly 10% of the cases brought to the Cilacap Religious Court were divorce petitions triggered by online gambling issues. Delving deeper into the data per district, the highest number of divorce cases in 2024 occurred in Majenang District, driven by various factors.
### Personal Stories of Divorce
One of the individuals who decided to file for a divorce, Kus, a homemaker, shared her experience of seeking a divorce due to her husband’s negligence in providing financial support. “I filed for divorce myself. I’ve been thinking that after this, I want to work abroad to support my children,” she expressed.
Maftukhin emphasized the significance of understanding the root causes and implications of these divorce trends for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the issue effectively. By analyzing the data based on each district, it was evident that specific areas like Majenang were more susceptible to higher divorce rates.
The increase in divorce cases in Cilacap reflects a broader societal shift and highlights the importance of addressing underlying issues such as financial instability, domestic violence, and external influences in marital relationships. As families navigate these challenges, it is crucial to provide support systems and resources to help individuals cope with the emotional and financial implications of divorce. The rise in divorce cases serves as a reminder of the complexities within relationships and the need for proactive measures to strengthen family bonds and promote healthier interactions.
