IPB University Academics Reveal the Educational Meaning Behind Tepuk Sakinah
The phenomenon of ‘Tepuk Sakinah’, which has gone viral in the virtual world, is considered to have a positive impact in building public awareness about marriage readiness and family values.
Risda Rizkillah, SSi, MSi, a lecturer in Family and Consumer Sciences at IPB University, explained that from a family science perspective, Tepuk Sakinah serves as an enjoyable and interactive educational strategy.
“Its lighthearted and memorable form helps reinforce memory. When core values are repeatedly emphasized and internalized, prospective brides and grooms or couples can use them as a guide and reminder when facing conflicts,” said Risda.
She noted that the viral spread of Tepuk Sakinah on social media has sparked healthy public discussions about marriage readiness, family values, and social awareness that marriage is not merely a tradition or formality.
According to her, this new awareness can trigger a change in people’s attitudes towards a deeper meaning of marriage. However, Risda emphasized that memorizing the pillars of the household contained in Tepuk Sakinah alone is not enough.
“Basically, memorizing is easy, but when faced with real conflicts such as economic pressure, differences in values, extended family problems, or unstable emotions, memorization is no longer enough. Communication skills, compromise, stress management, financial management, child rearing, and social support are needed,” she explained.
Furthermore, Risda said that Tepuk Sakinah has the potential to reduce divorce rates if it is implemented as part of a comprehensive family development program.
She believes that providing prospective couples with practical values and skills before marriage—such as effective communication, financial management, role sharing, and emotional and social readiness—is important and essential for building a family.
“After marriage, couples also need ongoing support through mentoring, mediation, and counseling when problems arise. Society needs to foster a culture of mutual respect, openness to professional help, and realistic expectations of married life,” he concluded.
Risda added that if Marriage Guidance (Bimwin) and Tepuk Sakinah are not followed up with practical materials and continued support, their impact on the formation of harmonious families will be limited.
Therefore, in her view, educational approaches like Tepuk Sakinah should serve as a gateway to strengthening Indonesian families that are empowered and harmonious. (dr) (IAAS/KQA)
