Rising Trend of Young Couples Divorce Prompts Intervention from BP4
In a bid to address the rising trend of young couples’ divorces in Indonesia, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar officially inaugurated the leadership of the Counseling and Guidance Agency for Marriage Preservation (BP4) in Jakarta on Friday, January 24, 2025.
According to Nasaruddin, one of the significant challenges facing Indonesia today is the high divorce rate, especially among young couples with marriages of less than five years. This issue extends beyond personal matters and poses a significant social challenge. Young children lose the presence of intact parents, while young widows often find themselves trapped in economic and social difficulties.
Challenges Faced by Young Couples
The Minister highlighted that divorces among young couples are often triggered by various pressures, including biological urges, social demands, and economic stress. He emphasized the importance of not solely blaming women who divorce at a young age but rather viewing them as victims of a social and cultural system that lacks adequate support.
Role of BP4 in Addressing Family Crises
Nasaruddin stressed the crucial role of BP4 in preventing and handling family crises in society. As an agency under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, BP4 plays a significant responsibility in supporting family integrity through mediation, counseling, and education.
The Five Priorities of BP4
The Minister outlined five key priorities that BP4 must focus on, including preserving families, avoiding sinful behavior, safeguarding children, empowering women, and ensuring the strength of Indonesian families as a foundation for building a quality future generation.
Social Impact and Outreach Efforts
BP4 is set to expand its mediation and consultation services to the level of the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) throughout Indonesia. By involving experts from various fields such as psychologists, lawyers, and legal experts, BP4 aims to provide a holistic approach to addressing marital conflicts.
In conclusion, Nasaruddin Umar emphasized the moral obligation of saving families as synonymous with saving the nation. With a more active and responsive BP4, he expressed optimism in reducing divorce rates and safeguarding the future generations of Indonesia.
