Analyzing the Authority of the Office of Religious Affairs in Serving Inter-Faith Marriages in Indonesia

Interfaith marriages present unique legal challenges within the Indonesian context, where religious law plays a significant role in the administration of marital unions. This research investigates the authority of the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) in handling interfaith marriages, given its primary function of serving marriages based on Islamic law. The purpose of this study is to critically analyze whether the KUA possesses the jurisdiction to administer interfaith marriages, and if not, to delineate the legal framework governing such unions. Employing a normative legal research methodology, this study examines relevant legislation, case law, and administrative regulations. Primary sources include Law No. 1 of 1974 on Marriage, Government Regulation No. 9 of 1975, and various Minister of Religious Affairs regulations. Secondary sources consist of legal commentaries, scholarly articles, and government reports. The findings reveal that the KUA's authority is confined to marriages that comply with religious laws, particularly Islamic law, under its jurisdiction. As interfaith marriages do not meet these religious criteria, they fall outside the scope of the KUA's mandate. Instead, interfaith marriages are governed solely by civil law, which provides a separate legal framework for their administration. Consequently, the KUA cannot legally handle interfaith marriages, highlighting a clear demarcation between religious and civil jurisdictions in the context of marriage in Indonesia. This research underscores the necessity for robust civil mechanisms to address interfaith marriages, ensuring legal recognition and protection for individuals in such unions, while respecting the religious legal boundaries of the KUA.