Rich Tourists Are Hiring Poor Indonesian Women As Temporary Brides
Prices range from USD300 (RM1,269) to USD500 (RM2,114) per marriage.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 04 Oct 2024, 03:51 PM
In Indonesia's Puncak region, young women from rural villages are entering temporary marriages with male tourists in exchange for a bride price
These "pleasure marriages" have become an industry, largely catering to visitors from the Middle East and boosting local tourism, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times.
Puncak, known for its scenic mountain resorts like Kota Bunga, has seen an influx of male tourists seeking temporary wives through agencies.
These agencies facilitate quick wedding ceremonies, after which the men pay a bride price as compensation. Once the men's vacations end, the marriages are dissolved.
The bride price can range from USD300 (RM1,269) to USD500 (RM2,114) per marriage
However, the brides often receive only a portion of that money after agents take their cut. Many of these women use the money to support their families or pay rent.
One woman, Cahaya, shared her story with the Los Angeles Times, revealing that she has been temporarily married over 15 times since the age of 17.
Her first "husband" was a tourist from Saudi Arabia who paid USD850 (RM3,594), but she only received half after fees. While some women continue in this cycle, others like Nisa, who had been married 20 times, have managed to leave the practice. Nisa now lives with her Indonesian husband and their two sons.
Despite its economic benefits, this practice — known locally as nikah mut'ah — is controversial
While some link it to Shia Islam traditions, the vast majority of scholars, including many from the Shia faith, condemn it.
It also contradicts Indonesia’s marriage laws, which emphasise creating stable, long-term family relationships.
The government has been criticised for not acting, with some speculating that tourism’s economic benefits make them reluctant to intervene.
