Controversy surrounding a bill proposing to fine or jail men who failed to register their marriages in order to skirt Indonesia's polygamy restrictions has angered dangdut king Rhoma Irama, who has labeled those who drafted the bill as 'atheists.'

"In my opinion, those who want to put legal charges for unofficial marriages are atheist. It doesn't mean that they don't have religion, but they don't understand religion," he told Warta Kota newspaper.

The singer, who once had an unofficial marriage with actress Angeliq, said that marriage is based on mutual love.

"There are five religious requirements for marriage, namely the couple, clergy, guardian, dowry and witness. Registry is not among the five. So what's the reason for stating that unofficial marriage is illegal?" Rhoma said.

Rhoma said he disagreed with the argument that unregistered marriages were not beneficial for women. He said that many registered couplings were also problematic and questioned why protection seemed to be given to the "wrong things" like prostitution, where prostitutes are called workers as if it was a "normal job."

"This is wrong. I stress that this is not just my personal sentiment," he said.

Disagreement with the bill was also voiced by the chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama, KH Hasyim Muzadi. He said it was illogical to criminalize unregistered marriages while adultery, free sex and premarital sex were "considered to be part of human rights."

"In Islam, unregistered marriage already has a guardian and two witness. Shariah law wise, it is legal but incomplete because the Prophet Muhammad commanded the marriage be announced and celebrated, even though it's not an obligation," Hasyim said.

He added that announcing a marriage was important to prevent social misconceptions and to maintain harmony. The government could regulate this matter but the implications should be administrative, both in the obligations and sanctions, he said. "Not criminal implications," he added.