Indonesian marriage requirements

Indonesian marriage requirements :

There is much outdated information on Indonesian marriages. As of 2009 the rules are as follows :

1. There are no non-religious marriages. The state/country doesn't perform marriages.

2. There are no mixed religious marriages.Both parties must believe in the same religion. You can change or convert religion when you get to Indonesia.

3. Non Indonesians marrying Indonesians must get an affidavit from their embassy showing they are not currently married and able to be married. Make sure that you go to the embassy first to get the affidavit with the notarized embassy stamp.

I would go early in the morning it is very fast about 30 minutes. The US Embassy is in central Jakarta across from National Monument the Monas. The embassy is all business you will be in and out very fast. You should be able to go to US embassy but go your embassy as you will need information on how to bring your spouse to your country some countries require you to register you are married.

4. The Indonesian getting married must make a report to the police. Not to worry I Indonesian's know all about this.

5. The Indonesian getting married must make report to the civil office registry. The cost should be about 200.00 some pay a lot more ( more on that later ) . Indonesians marry another Indonesian pay 35.00.

6. Finally , The marriage, must be a religious ceremony. Can be performed in a religious building temple,church,mosque or in your spouse's house

7. Optional honeymoon in Bali !

8. Muslims in Indonesia are allowed to have 4 wives.

Tips for smooth indonsia marriage

Tips -- from my Indonesian marriage experience

As a foreigner marrying an Indonesian, you will find so much outdated, inaccurate information out in the internet and even in Indonesia. As of my marriage in May 2009 , here are the steps that need to be done and in this order,for a smooth Indonesian marriage with a foreigner.

The most import step in a smooth indonesia marriage, go the the embassy, first and early. When you get to Indonesia go to your Embassy. Yes, I had to put in twice. You WILL NEED the affidavit showing you are not married and eligible for marriage do this first, PLEASE , you will thank me later !

Also, while at embassy, if you are US citizen pick up the i-130 to bring you wife to USA. If you are from another country,still go to your embassy you will need the affidavit and check for requirement to bring your spouse home. Also, some countries want you to register the marriage with the embassy.

The next step you will need passport photos for the conversion certificate and the marriage books,one book for you and the other book for your spouse. There are Fuji photo places all over Jakarta and Indonesia. They will make pictures in an hour.

If you are not the same religion you have to convert. Indonesian are 90+ % Islam, if your spouse is Islam, you will need to convert to Islam. Converting to Islam takes 2 hours; which even includes the ceremony. You will get a certificate. Touchy issue,if you didn't get circumcised it's a requirement;but no one will inspect. Congratulations !

Next, time to go to police to file report.

Then have a brother in law make report to the civil office registry. The cost should be about 200.00 some pay a lot more Indonesians marry another Indonesian pay 35.00.

Get ready for the Islam wedding ceremony:

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You will need rings and gold bracelets for dowry. Remember, Muslim men can't wear gold, but your wife can. I gave bangle bracelets for dowry but that is between you and your spouse. Buying jewelry is something you shouldn't rush look online. Buying in Indonesia in one day is not a pleasure.

Check out Goldmine. You will probably want to bring a present to your spouse their mom before wedding.

Now you are ready for the ceremony

The Imam who performs the ceremony will need your conversion certificate and photos.

Then, your Indonesian spouse, will know where you have to go, to the civil registry office and report the marriage. They will need the affidavit from the embassy,conversion certificate and the marriage book. Don't go to this person until you have done the other steps or this can get expensive. Just have all your paperwork go to embassy first !

Get an early start, follow the steps as outlined in the exact order. I did it with the help of my wife and family in two days.

After your Indonesian marriage

Immigration law is beyond the scope of a website. Here are links to company who finds you the perfect match as you will need an immigration lawyer.

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