<![CDATA[This study is motivated by the fluctuation in the number of marriage mediation cases handled by BP4 at the Religious Affairs Office (KUA) of North Payakumbuh District during the period 2022–2025, which reveals a significant gap between the number of mediation cases at BP4 and divorce cases filed directly to the Religious Court. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of BP4 as a marriage mediation institution and to identify its supporting and inhibiting factors. This research employs a qualitative method with a field research approach. Primary data were obtained through interviews with the Head of KUA North Payakumbuh District, while secondary data were sourced from official KUA documents and Religious Court records for the period 2022–2025. Data validity was ensured through source triangulation. Results indicate that of 32 mediation cases handled by BP4, 24 cases were successfully resolved without proceeding to the Religious Court. However, BP4’s overall effectiveness is considered less than optimal since the number of cases entering BP4 is far smaller than divorce cases filed directly to the court. Supporting factors include staff professionalism and the Minangkabau community’s deliberative culture. Inhibiting factors include low public awareness of BP4, limited facilities and infrastructure, and the absence of operational budget from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. These findings contribute to the development of marriage mediation policy and serve as a practical reference for optimizing BP4’s role in reducing divorce rates at the district level.]]>
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