Indonesia: Child marriage continues to be a significant problem in various areas of Indonesia, particularly in East Lombok, despite the government establishing 19 years as the legal minimum age for marriage. The ongoing occurrence of these cases underscores the critical need for enhanced public education and grassroots initiatives to better safeguard women and children. Efforts to combat child marriage in East Lombok encounter considerable obstacles. There is a need for stronger collaboration not just from the government, but also from civil society, the private sector, and the media.
Raising public awareness about the dangers of child marriage is crucial. This practice not only breaches legal standards but also strips children of their rights to education, health, safety, and protection from violence. Increased community involvement and awareness are vital for decreasing child marriage rates and ensuring a brighter future for the youth in East Lombok.
- Lord, we pray that God will raise awareness in the communities of East Lombok about the dangers and consequences of child marriage. May education become a priority for families, empowering young girls to pursue their dreams and future aspirations (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 18:5).
- Lord, we pray for strong collaboration among government, civil society, and local organizations to address the issue of child marriage in East Lombok. May they work together effectively to implement programs and initiatives that protect the rights of women and children (The Holy Bible, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
News Source: ANTARA News
Image Source: Canva
