Ministry of Religious Affairs bans extra marriage service fees

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a directive prohibiting any additional fees for marriage services beyond the official state-mandated rates. Ahmad Zayadi, Director of KUA Development and Sakinah Family, instructed all heads of the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) across Indonesia to ensure no unauthorized payments are requested from prospective couples.

Under current regulations, marriage ceremonies conducted at a KUA office during standard working hours are free of charge (Rp0). For ceremonies held outside of KUA offices or outside of standard working hours, a fixed fee of Rp600,000 is required as Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP).

Zayadi emphasized that the Rp600,000 fee is a state revenue and must not be paid to individuals. He explicitly prohibited additional charges for transportation, accommodation, fuel, or any informal payments such as ‘voluntary donations.’ Furthermore, economically disadvantaged citizens or disaster victims may be eligible for a Rp0 fee for ceremonies held outside the KUA, subject to specific regulatory requirements.