On January 6, Jakarta issued new regulations concerning polygamy among male civil servants, sparking intense public debate. Acting Governor Teguh Setyabudi announced the rules, designed to impose stricter conditions on polygamous marriages. The primary aim is to protect the families of civil servants by requiring a series of approvals and verifications before a second marriage can occur. These measures include obtaining consent from the first wife, proving a childless marriage of over a decade, and providing medical evidence if the first wife has a disability or incurable illness.
The regulations specify that male civil servants must secure written permission from their first wife and receive court approval to demonstrate financial capability to support multiple families. Teguh Setyabudi, who signed and approved the regulation, emphasized the protective intentions behind these requirements.
“It is meant to tighten the existing rules, to protect them, to protect the wives’ and children’s rights,” said Teguh.
The discussions leading to the regulation began in 2023, involving various stakeholders such as officials from the Justice Ministry. Despite its intentions, the regulation has faced criticism from politicians and human rights groups. Critics argue that it may exacerbate gender inequality rather than address marital issues effectively.
Amnesty International Indonesia voiced concerns through its commissioner, Siti Aminah Tardi, who argued that the regulation contradicts gender equality and human rights principles. Tardi highlighted the potential vulnerability of women and children in unregistered polygamous marriages.
“In many cases, second or third marriages are not officially registered with the authorities, which leaves women and children in these marriages vulnerable,” stated Siti Aminah Tardi.
Elva Farhi Qolbina, a member of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives, also criticized the regulation, suggesting it could worsen gender inequality in Indonesia. She believes that instead of solving marital problems, it might introduce new challenges related to gender balance.
“Instead of providing solutions to marital problems, it can create new problems with regards to gender inequality,” remarked Elva Farhi Qolbina.
The regulation permits polygamous marriages if the first wife is unable to fulfill her marital obligations due to disabilities or serious illnesses. While this rule intends to provide clarity and prevent unnecessary divorces, as evidenced by the 116 divorce cases reported among Jakarta civil servants in 2024, it raises questions about fairness and equality.
“The main point is to tighten the rules on polygamy so that they will not get divorced easily,” explained Acting Governor Teguh Setyabudi.
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