The Causing Factors of Early Marriage in Samarengga Village, Menui Island District, Morowali Regency, Indonesia

Getting married is important because it is part of the human’s life cycle. Nowadays, the phenomenon of getting married at an early age (or underage) often occurs in South-east Sulawesi. The early marriage category for men is less than 19 years old while for women less than 16. This research aims to explain the factors that cause such marriage, and to describe their impacts for both sexes. This is a qualitative and descriptive research, with a phenomenological approach. Data collection techniques were carried out using interviews, observation, and documentation and there were seven informants involved. Data analysis techniques were carried out by data presentation, data reduction, data interpretation, and conclusion (verification). The results show that there were four causing factors, such as, self-will, pregnancy before marriage, culture/customs of the local community, and low economic condition of parents. There were positive and negative impacts of early marriage; the first was related to their willingness that they would quickly become independent and bear their responsibilities. The negative impacts referred to their frequent quarrels and their inability to continue education and such impacts could be caused by economic condition, health, and domestic violence. Keywords: Marriage, early age, Samarengga village, Menui island