Iil Askar Monza, Jakarta – The National Commission of Anti-Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) assessed the plan to legalize polygamy practice presently discussed by Aceh provincial administration and Aceh Legislative Council (DPRA) was not a solution to protect the rights of women in a marriage.

According to the commissioner Sri Nur Herawati, all issues related to polygamy had been regulated in Law No. 1 of 1974 on marriage. "So, what issues this qanun (regional bill) will rule?" said Sri in her office, Monday, July 8.

Sri explained derivative rules concerning polygamy was not an answer to the rampant unregistered marriages or locally known nikah siri that beset women. Instead, the main problem that must be resolved in order to protect women is marriage registration.

"Don't create irrelevant solutions to settle a problem," Sri remarked.

Aceh DPRA claimed the provincial administration's plan to legalize polygamy practice aimed at protecting women and children who became victims of 'secret' marriage.

A number of legislators in the council's religion commission deemed if the practice was banned, women would remain as victims. Such a marriage is considered to provide uncertainty status, especially for women, since the practice was not officially recorded by the state.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1222583/komnas-perempuan-decries-acehs-draft-bill-on-polygamy