Why is divorce in Indonesia increasing?

by Rahmat Arijaya*

Quite recently, a prominent Indonesian Muslim scholar, Nazarudin Umar, expressed curiosity as to why the divorce rate in Indonesia has increased, particularly after the Supreme Court adopted a one-roof judicial system. According to him, most judges at the Religious Courts conduct divorces for couples too easily.

As a judge, and based on my experiences in many divorce cases, such a statement is absolutely wrong. Worse, Nazarudin said most judges were motivated to gain “reward points” for promotion in their careers. The more they separate spouses, the more reward points they get.

Let us look at the real condition. Law No. 1/1974 on Marriage and Government Regulation No. 9/1975 on the implementation of the Marriage Law clearly state that divorce is not allowed to be carried out except in court, after careful examination of each case by judges.

The Religious Court of Panyambungan has started to implement the Information Desk

A staff of the Information Desk is giving information to client

Panyabungan | www.pa-panyabungan.net (09/9/2011)

The Directorate General of the Religious Courts (well known as Badilag) has announced that there will be a monitor activity on the implementation of the Information Desk in all Religious Courts. It will be held from October until November in this year.

Badilag itself has issued guidance on the Information Desk several months ago. This guidance provides a clear and brief direction on how the Information Desk should be operated in all Religious Courts.

The Religious Court of Panyambungan seems ready to be monitored by Badilag. It has immediately implemented the Information Desk. Shortly after Badilag issued on the guidance, this court socialized it to all judges, officials as well as staffs.
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The Supreme Court's Justice Muchsin has Passed Away

Jakarta | badilag.net

The Supreme Court’s justice, Prof.Dr.H. Muchsin, SH has passed away at the age of 68 at Nginden General Hospital, Surabaya on Sunday morning (04/09/2011).

After praying Zuhur, the families buried the deceased at Sememi memorial park, Surabaya.

The deceased was born in August 8, 1943 at Boyolali. In the first of January 1968, he started his career as elementary school teacher in Surabaya. He became a lecture in IKIP Surabaya in 1981.

Halal Bi Halal in the Secretariat Building of the Supreme Court

Jakarta l Badilag.net (05/09/2011)

Today, Monday (5/9/2011) is the first work day after a holiday of Idul Fitri 1432. Halal bi halal is held in the lobby of the secretariat building of the Supreme Court. It is the first time to be held in this new building.

Halal bi halal is the common and routine tradition happening in Idul Fitri celebration in Indonesia. People visit others in their home and office or people are gathering in a place.

From left: Syarifuddin (Bawas), Cicut Sutiarso (Badilum), Wahyu Widiana (Badilag), and Sulisyo (Badilmiltun)

Idul Fitri is the Muslim holiday marking the end of fasting of Ramadhan. It derives from Arabic. Eid means "festivity," while Fitr means "breaking the fast".

Idul Fitri of This Year Will Fall on Wednesday

Jakarta | badilag.net (29/08/2011)

Surya Dharma Ali, the Minister of the Religious Affairs Ministry finally stipulated that Idul Fitri fell on Wednesday, August 31, not Tuesday as designated on the calendar.

He delivered the announcement after an isbat meeting attended by representatives from Muslim organizations and Muslim scholars on Monday evening.

There are two methods how to determine the new moon Islamic calendar, namely hisab, which is based on mathematical calculations, and rukyat or direct observations of the lunar cycle.

For this year, both methods show two different conclusions. According to rukyat , Idul Fitri will fall on August 30. Meanwhile, based on hisab, Idul Fitri will fall on Wednesday, August 31.
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