Two Subdistricts in Bogor Regency Become Locations for IPB University’s Second Batch of Pre-marital School
Marriage is not just a matter of age readiness, but also life readiness. It is this awareness that the Pre-Marriage School Batch 2 program, held once again by the IPB University Center for Gender and Child Studies (PKGA) and the Bogor Regency Office of Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control and Family Planning (DP3AP2KB), aims to instill in young people.
This program covers two areas at once, namely Pondok Rajeg Village, Cibinong District (50 participants aged 15-18 years) and Tangkil Village, Caringin District (50 participants aged 13-19 years). This activity is a continuation of the inaugural Pre-marital School which was previously held in Bojong Gede District in early 2025.
In Pondok Rajeg, the opening ceremony was attended by Pondok Rajeg Village Chiirf Makbul Hijab, SSTP, MAP. In his speech, Makbul emphasized the village government’s commitment to supporting educational programs that equip young people with an understanding of future planning and the prevention of child marriage. He hoped that participants would take advantage of this program to broaden their horizons before making big decisions in life.
The opening material was delivered by Dr Yulina Eva Riany, Chairper of PKGA IPB University, who discussed the impact of child marriage and the urgency of marriage planning. She explained that child marriage has a serious impact on the reproductive and mental health of adolescents, low education, increased risk of poverty, violence, and quality of parenting.
“Child marriage is also strongly associated with high rates of stunting due to inadequate nutrition, health, and parenting,” she explained. She also emphasized that the minimum age for marriage according to the law is 19 years for both men and women.
Meanwhile, in Tangkil Village, Dr Hamzah, a lecturer at the Faculty of Human Ecology (Fema) at IPB University, presented material on marriage from a religious perspective. He emphasized that marriage is a noble bond that requires physical and mental readiness. Child marriage, he asserted, is not recommended because it has the potential to cause harm that is contrary to the principle of benefit.
The next material was presented by Dr Wahyu Budi Priatna, a lecturer at the Department of Agribusiness, IPB University. He encouraged the strengthening of life skills, economic independence, and positive character in adolescents as preparation before starting a family.
Over two weeks, participants received eight comprehensive materials, ranging from the prevention of child marriage, reproductive health, adolescent nutrition, financial literacy, life skills and entrepreneurship, to future planning. All materials were delivered interactively by experts from various faculties at IPB University.
The Pre-Marriage School program is part of Bogor Regency’s strategy to reduce child marriage rates and strengthen family resilience. This collaboration between DP3AP2KB and PKGA IPB University is expected to produce adolescents who are more empowered, well-planned, and ready to build a quality future.(IAAS/KDP)
