Recent polemics on the status of women and children outside registered marriage in Indonesia

Problem related to children and women outside registered marriages in Indonesia have reached an alarming level. The problems include uncertainty about the legal validity of unregistered marriages ; lack of protection under state law of children born of such marriages or out of wedlock ; and neglect by their biological father. A recent ruling issued by MK (the constitutional court of Indonesia) offers a breakthrough, changing the state's position regarding such children entitling thenm to legal relationship with the father, as a matterof right. This research provides a map of the ensuing debate and the aspirations of relevant people such as religious figures, state officials, judges, and nongovernmental orgainizaitons focusing on gender equality and justice, and protection of child rights. --