Takalar religious officials declare underage marriage legally invalid

A viral video showing the unregistered marriage of two underage students in Takalar, South Sulawesi, has drawn official attention. The couple, identified by the initials HA (13), an elementary school student, and AL (15), a junior high school student, underwent a religious ceremony (nikah siri) on August 15, 2026, in Cikoang Village.

The marriage was reportedly prompted by the families' desire to avoid social shame after the children attempted to elope. While the religious ceremony was witnessed by relatives, the families decided not to hold a formal wedding reception.

The Takalar Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) confirmed that the marriage is not legally recognized by the state. Solihin, the Head of the Takalar KUA, stated that the union does not meet the minimum legal age requirement of 19 years set by national law. He urged parents to prioritize their children's education and future over early marriage, noting the legal and health risks involved.