Indonesian women trapped in temporary ‘pleasure marriages’ with tourists for money

A disturbing practice in Indonesian villages has sparked widespread condemnation online. According to the South China morning mailIn exchange for money, young women from impoverished backgrounds enter into short-term marriages with male tourists, mainly from the Middle East. This phenomenon is common in Puncak, a popular destination in western Indonesia that attracts Arab tourists. Several visitors exploit local women through temporary marriages arranged by agencies in the mountain resort of Kota Bunga.

The scheme involves the agencies introducing tourists to local women. Once both parties agree, they have a quick, informal wedding ceremony, after which the man pays a bride price to the woman. In return, the woman provides sexual and domestic services during the tourist’s stay. When the tourist leaves, the marriage is annulled.

According to a report from the Los Angeles TimesThis controversial practice, known as ‘pleasure marriages’, has grown into a lucrative industry, boosting tourism and the local economy. Initially, relatives or acquaintances facilitated the introduction between tourists and local women. However, the growth of agencies specializing in these schemes has institutionalized the practice.

Cahaya, a young Indonesian woman, shared her harrowing experience as a temporary wife. She told me LA times that she has married tourists from the Middle East more than fifteen times. Her first husband, a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian man, paid a bride price of $850 (Rs 71,412), but after agents and officials took their share, she received only half. Five days after the wedding, the man flew back home and they were ”divorced”. Cahaya revealed that she earns between $300 and $500 per marriage, barely covering her rent and supporting her sick grandparents.

Another woman, Nisa, broke out of this cycle after at least twenty temporary marriages. She met an Indonesian immigration officer, married him and started a new life with two sons. Nisa vowed never to return to her past.

These temporary marriages, also called nikah mut’ah, are rooted in Shia Islam culture. However, the majority of scholars called such marriages ‘unacceptable’. These temporary arrangements are also not recognized by Indonesian law because they undermine the fundamental purpose of marriage.

This practice raises serious concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable women, sex tourism and the lack of protection of women’s rights. Critics and people on the internet have condemned the practice, arguing that it perpetuates human trafficking, abuse and exploitation, taking advantage of poverty-stricken communities.