Why Are Indonesian Women Getting Married To Tourists For Short-Term?

Indonesia's tourism space is seeing a new business emerging on the fringes, where young women from poor backgrounds are reportedly getting into short-term nuptials with tourists to make money. These setups called "pleasure marriages" are prevalent in Puncak, a popular destination in western Indonesia, that mostly attracts wealthy tourists from the Middle East.

Indonesia's "Sex Tourism" Industry

According to the South China Morning Post, several agencies in the mountain resort of Kota Bunga, Puncak, are escorting underprivileged women for pleasure marriage services. Agencies introduce tourists to local women after which a quick, informal wedding ceremony is held. 

The tourist pays the 'bride' for sexual and domestic services during their stay in the region. When the tourist departs, the pleasure marriage is dissolved. Locals have reported that visitors are sexually and emotionally exploiting these women working to make ends meet.

It must be noted that Indonesia banned sex outside marriage in December 2022. The law states that a year in jail for having sex outside of marriage and six months for living together without marriage. Adultery is also criminalised in the country, according to reports.

According to the Los Angeles Times, this controversial practice has become a lucrative industry in Indonesia, bolstering tourism and the local economy. The practice started with family and acquaintances introducing women to tourists before specialised agencies emerged.

One pleasure marriage bride, identified as Cahaya, shared her experience with the outlet. She said that she has been married over 15 times to Middle Eastern tourists. She revealed that she earns about $300-500 per marriage, which barely covers her rent and supports her ailing grandparents. 

Cahaya's first husband, a 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia, paid a bride price of $850 (₹71,412), but after agents took their share, she received only half despite all the 'services' she provided. Five days after the wedding, the man flew back home and they were 'divorced. 

Another woman, Nisa, broke free from this exploitative market after at least 20 temporary marriages. After her harrowing experiences, she vows to never return to her past. She met an Indonesian immigration officer, married him, and started a new life with two sons.

According to reports, these marriages, locally known as 'nikah mut'ah are rooted in Shia Islam culture. However, the majority of scholars called such marriages ''unacceptable', as they undermine the fundamental purpose of marriage. They are also not recognised by Indonesian law.