Child marriage raises legal concerns in Indonesia because judicial marriage dispensations coexist with statutory child protection. Law Number 16 of 2019 establishes nineteen as the minimum marriage age for both sexes, yet courts may authorize exceptions. This normative legal study uses statutory, conceptual, and case approaches to examine regulatory consistency and the implications for children’s rights. The analysis identifies tensions between marriage legislation and child protection principles, particularly regarding education, health, development, and the best interests of the child. Judicial considerations may prioritize immediate social pressures over long term welfare. The study recommends stronger judicial reasoning, consistent application of Supreme Court Regulation Number 5 of 2019, regulatory harmonization, and coordinated educational, health, and economic measures to protect children from harmful marriage practices effectively across Indonesia.
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