‘Pleasure Marriages’: Tourists are allowed to marry women for a few days in this country because…

Pleasure marriage is steadily becoming one of the thriving businesses in Indonesia as it promotes tourism and the local economy.

Written by: Victor Dasgupta Edited by: Victor Dasgupta

Published: November 11, 2024, 3:04 PM IST

Share

Share Article

• Facebook
• WhatsApp
• X
• Email
• Telegram
• Linkedin

https://www.india.com/news/world/pleasure-marriages-tourists-are-allowed-to-marry-women-for-a-few-days-in-this-country-because-india-indonesia-pakistan-7385294/ Copy

New Delhi: Marriage is widely regarded as a sacred union in many cultures, including India, and is often the most significant day in a couple’s life. In India, weddings are celebrated as grand occasions because marriage is seen as the joining of two soulmates, guided by the religious principles found in Hindu scriptures. However, while marriage can be a blessing for some, it may prove challenging for others. In one country, there is a practiced custom that allows male tourists to experience a brief period of married life. It is important to note that this practice is illegal.

Known as a “pleasure marriage,” this arrangement involves introducing local women to tourists, followed by an informal wedding ceremony. The marriage typically lasts a few days before being dissolved.

This process involves hefty amount of money. Indonesian women take up this arrangement in exchange for a bribe price. Under this marriage both the partners perform all the duties starting from domestic work to sexual services.

The pleasure marriage often lasts only for the duration of the tourist’s stay and is dissolved once he leaves the country. In most cases, the women opt for this arrangement to earn a livelihood and support their families.

What is a Pleasure Marriage?

Pleasure marriage is steadily becoming one of the thriving businesses in Indonesia as it promotes tourism and the local economy. In this marriage, mostly girls who are less educated get involved. Every year, a large number of tourists come to Indonesia to rent a wife for themselves. Notably, under Indonesian law, contract marriages are illegal, however, pleasure marriage has turned into an industry in the absence of strict regulation.

How Does It Work?

• The middlemen facilitate arrangements for male tourists arriving in Indonesia
• Local women are enticed into these roles with promises of substantial salaries and a luxurious lifestyle.
• The broker gathers details about the tourists and introduces the woman to the man, after which a marriage takes place.
• The woman lives with him as his wife during his stay in the country.
• Once his visit ends, they spend time together and then go through a legal divorce before he leaves.