EARLY MARRIAGE AND THE PROTECTION OF GIRLS' RIGHTS FROM AN INDONESIAN LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Early marriage remains a complex social and legal issue in Indonesia, despite the government's regulatory changes through Law Number 16 of 2019 concerning the minimum age for marriage. This practice is not only related to cultural and economic issues in society, but also impacts the fulfillment of girls' fundamental rights, such as the right to education, reproductive health, protection from violence, and freedom to determine their future. This study aims to analyze the practice of early marriage and the protection of girls' rights from an Indonesian legal perspective through a qualitative approach with a juridical-sociological approach. Research data were obtained through documentation studies, regulatory analysis, studies of marriage dispensation decisions, and reviews of various relevant scientific studies and empirical reports. Data analysis was conducted thematically by connecting social realities, legal implementation, and the dynamics of girls' protection in social practice. The results show that the practice of early marriage is still influenced by economic factors, patriarchal culture, low education, social pressure, and weak legal literacy in society. Although legal regulations have set a minimum age for marriage, the marriage dispensation mechanism remains a space for compromise, demonstrating the tension between legal norms and social realities. This study also found that early marriage has the potential to limit girls' rights to education, health care, social protection, and optimal self-development. Theoretically, this study confirms that the effectiveness of legal protection for girls is determined not only by the existence of formal regulations, but also by legal culture, social awareness, and adequate institutional support. Therefore, protecting girls requires a multidimensional approach through strengthening legal education, monitoring marriage dispensations, and social and educational empowerment for girls as part of sustainable efforts to prevent early marriage