The Norm of the Age Limit for Early Marriage in Suku Anak Dalam Jambi Province

Abstract

Early marriage is still common in Indonesia. This paper discusses early marriages that occur in the isolated community of the Suku Anak Dalam in Jambi Province. This Socio Legal Study uses a qualitative approach. This research was conducted in Jambi Province with samples in 2 (two) districts, namely Batanghari and Muaro Jambi. The two districts represent the area where the Orang Rimba live. The results of the study show that the Suku Anak Dalam community has its own rules regarding marriage practices and are not in accordance with state law. One of the local norms in marriage is the determination of the marriage age limit for the bride and groom. Determination of the age limit for marriage for girls is when they are menstruating, while for boys it is marked by an agility test to hunt animals. If the boy passes the test, he is considered an adult and is able to get married. The valor of a man in the Anak Dalam Tribe lies in his ability to make a living and hunt. Early marriage is caused by several factors, including: Indigenous, dropping out of school, economy, promiscuity, filial piety, gender inequality.