“We urge the Acting Governor to revise this regulation to ensure it does not violate women’s rights or perpetuate discrimination. Policies should prioritize gender equality and human rights within the civil service,” Hamid concluded.

On January 6, 2025, the Acting Governor of Jakarta issued Governor Regulation (Pergub) No. 2/2025 concerning the procedures for marriage and divorce permits for civil servants in the Jakarta provincial government. This regulation also covers polygamy, stipulating requirements for obtaining permission to marry more than one person.

Indonesia ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) on July 24, 1984, through Law No. 7/1984. CEDAW emphasizes the principles of non-discrimination and equality in marriage and family life.

General Comment No. 21 of CEDAW on Equality in Marriage and Family Relations clearly states that polygamy violates the right to equality between men and women and can have serious emotional and financial consequences for women. Indonesia also ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) on October 28, 2005, through Law No. 12/2005.

Article 3 of the ICCPR requires state parties to ensure equal rights for men and women. General Comment No. 28 on Article 3 of the ICCPR further clarifies that polygamy is incompatible with the fulfillment of women’s basic rights and freedoms, and thus should be abolished. (Uki Ruknuddin)

 

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