SEEKING ANSWERS IN RUANG (NY)AMAN: A STUDY OFINTERFAITH PRE-MARITAL AND MARRIAGE COUNSELLING IN INDONESIA

Abstract

One of the unresolved legal issues in Indonesian Marriage Law which has generated more controversy over a longer period is the legal vacuum for couples of differing religions. The dilemma of uncertainty between marriage permissibility across religious lines and the refusal of civil authorities have enforced the interfaith couples tofind a way with circumventing the marriage law. Few alternative ways have been done independently, but as it widely flourished and rapidly increased, the interfaith couples have tried to seek for solution socially. Ruang (Ny)aman is one of the alternative safe-space sharing platforms for interreligious couples and families. Through social media, this organization has managed to organized a consulting event for interfaith-couple-to-be to let them prepare for their future household stability. Using an empirical approach, this study sought to analyze the usage of social media for interfaith pre-marital and marriage consultation and its impact on searching for legality. This study argues that social media has become new counselling tools for interfaith couples in which they will use the platform for reference when it comes to verifying news or seeking information or opinions. The spiritual and social convictions may help interfaith couples bond through shared values and beliefs, and encourage participation in shared activities. With this strategy, support on interfaith marriage could be gained through the participation of society in an open platform as part of co-construction on interfaith matters.