THE BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF SAME-RELIGIOUS AND INTERFAITH MARRIAGES

Abstract

Indonesia is a country with a diverse ethnic makeup, and marriage is considered to be a fundamental aspect of family life and is regulated by Law Number 1 of 1974. A Christian man has been in a loving relationship with a Muslim woman for over nine years. Both parties have agreed to continue their relationship to get married but remain committed to their respective religions eventually. Law is a complex system of principles and rules that guides us in living together as humans, with fairness being a key focus. The qualitative research involving long-term couples from different religious backgrounds who have maintained harmonious relationships, along with input from legal professionals, can provide valuable insights. According to Article 2, Paragraph 1 of Law Number 1 of 1974 Concerning Marriage, marriage is only recognized as legal if carried out within the same religion.