For many couples, planning a wedding means considering every detail, including the date. In Indonesia, recent clarifications from the Religious Ministry (Kementerian Agama – “Kemenag”) have brought relief to couples by confirming that there are no legal restrictions on holding weddings on weekends or public holidays. The latest Peraturan Menteri Agama (PMA) No. 22 Year 2024 clarifies that while religious affairs office (Kantor Urusan Agama – “KUA”) offices operate only during traditional work hours, marriage ceremonies can still be held on non-working days.
This flexibility is particularly valuable for couples looking to celebrate their special day at a time that works best for their families and friends, without being restricted by the standard Monday-to-Friday schedule.
Clarification on Weekend Weddings in Indonesia
The confusion about whether weddings could be held outside of workdays arose after the issuance of PMA No. 22/2024. It is mentioned on the Article 16 Paragraph (1) of PMA 22/2024 as follows:
“(1) The marriage is held at the sub-district KUA on working days and hours.”
Some misinterpreted the new regulation, thinking that it banned marriages on weekends and public holidays. However, Kemenag quickly clarified the situation: couples are free to marry on Saturdays, Sundays, or even during national holidays, as long as the marriage takes place outside KUA premises.
KUA Offices: Open Only on Weekdays, But No Limits on Marriage Days
Under the new regulation, KUA offices, which handle the administrative side of marriage registrations, are only open during workdays, Monday through Friday. Couples who wish to hold their weddings in the KUA must schedule their ceremony during these times. However, weddings can still proceed on weekends or holidays if they take place at other locations such as homes, places of worship, or event venues, provided a penghulu (wedding official) is available to conduct the ceremony.
This means that couples are not restricted to weekdays for their wedding day, as long as they plan their ceremony outside of the KUA. The availability of the penghulu for offsite ceremonies ensures that couples have the flexibility to marry when it suits them best.
How Does This Impact Mixed Marriages?
For couples in mixed marriages—where one spouse is Indonesian and the other is a foreign national—the ability to marry outside of KUA and outside of workweek hours is a great advantage. Mixed marriages often involve added bureaucratic processes, so the option to marry on weekends helps streamline the planning process.
That said, mixed-marriage couples should also be aware of other legal requirements, such as securing the proper documentation and considering a prenuptial agreement. Prenuptial agreements, while not required, can be especially important for couples in mixed marriages, particularly when it comes to property ownership and financial matters. Without one, the Indonesian spouse may face challenges in owning property in Indonesia, given the legal restrictions on foreign land ownership.
Prenuptial Agreements and Weekend Weddings
While weekend weddings are a straightforward option for all couples in Indonesia, those entering mixed marriages should still consider the importance of drafting a prenuptial agreement. Such agreements ensure that both parties’ financial interests are protected, particularly in regard to property ownership and inheritance rights.
Under Indonesian law, a prenuptial agreement can help the Indonesian spouse retain ownership of property, while giving the foreign spouse clear rights over other financial matters. Without this agreement, couples may face obstacles when acquiring property in Indonesia. Planning ahead by discussing a prenup with a legal expert can save mixed-nationality couples from potential legal difficulties down the road.
Marriage Registration and Legal Considerations
Even if a couple decides to marry on a weekend, it is crucial to ensure that all legal procedures are followed. Marriage registration should still be completed during KUA office hours, and all necessary documents must be submitted prior to the wedding ceremony. This includes obtaining a letter of recommendation from the KUA for mixed-nationality couples who wish to marry outside of their domicile. Ensuring that all legal requirements are met ahead of time can prevent delays or complications after the ceremony.
Additionally, couples marrying outside their district or away from the KUA should coordinate with local officials to ensure that the wedding is officiated by a qualified penghulu, especially if the ceremony is held in a remote or less formal location.
Key Takeaways for Couples in Indonesia
The primary takeaway from the latest clarification by Kemenag is that there are no restrictions on holding weddings outside the traditional workweek. Couples are free to marry on weekends, public holidays, or any other day, as long as they follow the proper legal procedures. For those who wish to marry within a KUA, they must schedule their wedding during regular office hours, but for those holding their ceremony elsewhere, weekends are a viable and fully legal option.
Whether you are planning a large, family-focused wedding on a Saturday or a more intimate ceremony during the week, the rules provide enough flexibility to cater to your specific needs.
If you are entering a mixed marriage and need legal guidance, CPT Corporate offers comprehensive services to help you navigate the complexities of Indonesian marriage law. From drafting prenuptial agreements to assisting with property transactions, CPT Corporate’s experienced legal team is here to ensure that every aspect of your marriage is legally sound. Whether you’re planning to wed during the week or on the weekend, CPT Corporate is ready to support you with all the necessary legal assistance.
