Child Marriage Limiting Youth Participation in Regional Development

This is a Response to the Pemuda Bersuara Berdaya wikithon

One critical issue that regional head candidates must address after the 2024 elections is Child Marriage (PUA). PUA greatly limits youth participation in politics, democracy, and regional development. The high PUA rate is driven by poverty, low education, cultural norms, and lack of access to reproductive health information. PUA restricts youth access to education and health then blocking their opportunities to engage actively in social, economic, and political activity. Early-married youth often face household responsibilities prematurely, limiting their involvement in activities that support democracy and regional progress. As policymakers, regional heads must understand PUA’s impact on youth participation and take concrete steps to reduce it. An effective approach is to involve young people in policymaking, particularly regarding PUA prevention. By including them in musrenbang, the government can become more responsive to youth needs, supporting their involvement in productive and political activities. For example, in Barru Regency, 78 early marriage applications were submitted to the Religious Court in 2022, but after extensive youth empowerment through children's forums, cases decreased to 23 in 2023. Youth active in social organizations also play an important role in raising awareness about PUA risks. They can be agents of change, promoting the importance of delaying marriage age. Aligning with the 2024 election theme of youth participation in politics and democracy, their involvement in policy processes helps build a qualified, independent generation ready to contribute to regional development and democracy.

Affiliation: Ikatan Duta Bahasa Sulselbar / Hubungan Internasional-Universitas Hasanuddin
Age: 16-21