Legal Literacy - In this era of practicality, unregistered marriage (nikah siri) has become a topic that sometimes arises in Indonesian society, both at family dining tables and in serious discussions in coffee shops.

For some, unregistered marriage may sound like a quick and easy solution to various marital problems—from financial limitations to administrative complexities.

But, is unregistered marriage really a solution or just a gateway to new problems?

Express Solution or Shortcut to New Problems?

Unregistered marriage is often seen as a shortcut for couples who want to get married immediately without having to bother with official documents. Similar to ordering food at a drive-thru, the process is fast, instant, and satisfies the desire to get married immediately.

But, like fast food, what looks delicious at first may not be so healthy in the long run. When couples choose unregistered marriage, they may not realize they are preparing themselves for bigger problems in the future.

Because suddenly problems may arise related to inheritance, child custody, or other economic rights. Without legal recognition, women in unregistered marriages often lose the protection they should have.

What was initially intended as a solution turns into a time bomb ready to explode at any time. So, is unregistered marriage really a quick solution? Or just postponing bigger problems?

Golden Child or 'Siri-zed' Child?

One of the biggest dilemmas in unregistered marriage is the legal status of children born from the marriage.

These children, although born from the love of their parents, often do not receive proper legal recognition. Like golden children who lose their shine, they grow up with an unclear status, making them vulnerable to various discrimination and legal difficulties.

Some parents may argue that their children are still legitimate religiously, but when it comes to civil rights—such as birth certificates, inheritance rights, and access to education—the state cannot simply rely on documents from local religious officials.

As a result, these children have to face a harsh reality, where their basic rights are ignored simply because their parents chose unregistered marriage. In the end, who really benefits from this situation?

Two Sides of the Same Coin or Narrow Escape?

Unregistered marriage and polygamy often go hand in hand, like two sides of the same coin. Many men use unregistered marriage as a way to legitimize polygamy without having to bother asking for the first wife's permission.

With the guise of "religiously legitimate," they feel they have obtained a license to add a wife without the risk of being punished by the state.

However, if we delve deeper, this unregistered marriage is more like a cheat code in a game—it looks fun and profitable at first, but it can lead to a game over, especially for the women involved.

Their rights are often violated, not recognized by law, and they have to live in the shadow of uncertainty.

Unregistered Marriage as a Weapon of Patriarchy

Unregistered marriage is often praised as a form of protection for women, especially in cases where official marriage is difficult to carry out.

However, let's be honest: often, unregistered marriage is actually used to trap women in a weaker position. This is where patriarchy comes into play, under the guise of protecting women, but actually making them even more miserable.

Like a cat in a sack, women who marry in unregistered marriages are often unaware that they are being trapped in a situation that makes them even more powerless.

Without clear legal protection, they can be abandoned at any time, with their rights ignored.

Isn't this contrary to the original goal of unregistered marriage as a form of "protection"? Instead of protecting, unregistered marriage actually traps women in uncertainty.

Economic Uncertainty in Unregistered Marriage

One important aspect of marriage is economic security, something that is often ignored in unregistered marriage. Without legal recognition, women in unregistered marriages often have no rights to marital property, allowances, or even maintenance.

Like playing chess with only pawns—women must be prepared to face high economic risks, without any protection other than sweet promises from their partners.

When an unregistered marriage ends in divorce or the partner leaves, women often have to face the bitter reality that they have nothing.

'Playing it Safe' or Letting Women be Abandoned?

The state often washes its hands of unregistered marriage, on the grounds that this is a private and religious matter. However, shouldn't the state be present to protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable?

By allowing unregistered marriage without clear regulations, the state actually increases the chances of women being abandoned, like a guest invited to a party but left alone in the corner of the room. When the state chooses not to act, women who marry in unregistered marriages are trapped in an uncertain situation.

Without legal protection, they are left to face various problems alone, from economic uncertainty to child custody.

Shouldn't the state act to ensure that every citizen, including those who choose unregistered marriage, receives adequate protection?