The Role of Traditional Kyai in Mitigating Early Marriage in Indonesia: An Analysis of a Social Phenomenon within the Maslahah Framework

Siti Masiroh*    -  Universitas Islam Darul Ulum, Lamongan, Indonesia
M. Noor Harisudin    -  Universitas Islam Negeri Kiai Haji Achmad Siddiq, Jember, Indonesia
Mokhamad Ali Ridlo  -  Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco

(*) Corresponding Author
DOI: 10.30659/jua.v9i1.42330
Early marriage is currently a significant concern in developing countries, such as Indonesia. Attention has been directed towards the causes and effects of the high prevalence of early marriage. Various government agencies, community leaders, traditional leaders, and religious leaders have implemented efforts to prevent early marriage; however, these initiatives have not succeeded in significantly reducing its incidence. This study examines the social phenomenon of a Kyai in Lamongan Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia, who plays a pivotal role as a religious figure in the prevention of early marriage. This research adopts a qualitative methodology employing field research methods. Primary data sources were obtained from relevant agencies in Lamongan Regency, the Kyai as an actor, santri (Islamic students), parents of santri, and the broader community. Data collection was conducted through structured interviews, participatory observation, and documentation. The research data were subsequently analysed using functional structure theory and Islamic law, particularly focusing on the aspect of maslahah (public interest). The findings of this study indicate that the role of the Kyai as educators and charismatic religious figures has positively impacted the reduction of early marriage rates in Lamongan. Furthermore, the social role of the Kyai is inextricably linked to their position as figures who encourage the community to foster a conducive environment for the development of the younger generation. The strategies devised by the Kyai include the design of a curriculum that encompasses material on marriage, the provision of guidance to the guardians of Islamic boarding school students, and the organisation of religious lectures for the general public. This study presents a functional structure model that operates effectively and advocates for local governments to optimise the role and function of the Kyai in the prevention of early marriage in Indonesia.

Keywords: Early Marriage; Islamic Law; Kyai, MaÎlahah; Social Role

  1. Apriana, Dian, Nanda Silvia, and Uwem Imoh Emmanuel. “Imbalance of Rights and Obligations of Husband and Wife in the Family.” MILRev: Metro Islamic Law Review 1, no. 2 (2022): 214–30. https://doi.org/10.32332/milrev.v1i2.6210.
  2. Benamar, Lamya, Christine Balagué, and Mohamad Ghassany. “The Identification and Influence of Social Roles in a Social Media Product Community.” Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication 22, no. 6 (November 1, 2017): 337–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcc4.12195.
  3. Biddle, B. J. “Recent Developments in Role Theory.” Annual Review of Sociology 12, no. 1 (August 1986): 67–92. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.so.12.080186.000435.
  4. Dewi, Anak Agung Istri Ari Atu, Ni Ketut Supasti Dharmawan, Anak Agung Istri Eka Krisnayanti, Putu Aras Samsithawrati, and I Gede Agus Kurniawan. “The Role of Human Rights and Customary Law to Prevent Early Childhood Marriage in Indonesia.” Sriwijaya Law Review, July 19, 2022, 268–85. https://doi.org/10.28946/slrev.Vol6.Iss2.1885.pp268-285.
  5. Dhofier, Zamakhsyari. Tradisi Pesantren Studi Perbandingan Hidup Kyai Dan Visinya Mengenai Masa Depan Indonesia. Jakarta: LP3ES, 2011.
  6. Fatarib, Husnul, Muhammad Qasem, and Meirison Meirison. “Al-Hājat As The Basis Of Contemporary Ijtihād.” AL-’ADALAH 17, no. 1 (November 30, 2020): 163–86. https://doi.org/10.24042/adalah.v17i1.6209.
  7. Fitriahadi, Enny, Thuy Hong Nguyen, Endang Koni Suryaningsih, Evi Wahyuntari, and Wiwit Dhesi Intarti. “Strategies for Child Marriage Prevention in Indonesia: A Case Study.” Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat 21, no. 1 (July 30, 2025): 156–65. https://doi.org/10.15294/kemas.v20i3.13732.
  8. Geertz, Clifford. The Religion of Java. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1960.
  9. Harnisch, Sebastian. Role Theory in International Relations. Edited by Sebastian Harnisch, Cornelia Frank, and Hanns W Maull. Role Theory in International Relations. Routledge, 2011. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203818756.
  10. Hasibuan, Armyn, Nadhif Muhammad Mumtaz, Khairul Anwar, Moh Mansur Abdul Haq, and Andri Nurjaman. “Sufistic Approach of Character Education in an Indonesian Islamic Boarding School.” MIQOT: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Keislaman 49, no. 1 (June 30, 2025): 184. https://doi.org/10.30821/miqot.v49i1.1332.
  11. Ikhsan, Muhammad, and Azwar Iskandar. “Abu Ishaq Al-Syathibi and His Perspective on Maslahat.” AT-TURAS: Jurnal Studi Keislaman 8, no. 1 (June 30, 2021): 60–73. https://doi.org/10.33650/at-turas.v8i1.1997.
  12. Laluddin, Hayatullah, . Mohamad Nasran Moham, . Zuliza Mohd. Kusrin, . Shofian Ahmad, . Zaini Nasohah, . Mohd. Zamro Muda, . Md. Yazid Ahmad, and . Ahmad Muhammad Husni. “An Analysis of Maslahah’s Development Through Al-Ghazali Pre and Post Al-Ghazali Periods.” International Business Management 6, no. 2 (February 1, 2012): 187–93. https://doi.org/10.3923/ibm.2012.187.193.
  13. Maharani, M., R. Rahardiansyah, and N. Luthviatin. “Factors, Impacts, and Efforts in Preventing Early Marriage Culture on Women’s Reproductive Health: Literature Review,” 030021, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0241796.
  14. Mead, George Herbert. Mind, Self & Society. Edited by Charles W. Morris. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2022.
  15. Nurmila, Nina, and Wiwin Windiana. “Understanding the Complexities of Child Marriage and Promoting Education to Prevent Child Marriage in Indramayu, West Java.” Ulumuna 27, no. 2 (December 31, 2023): 823–53. https://doi.org/10.20414/ujis.v27i2.680.
  16. Nurzahidah Haji JaaparSaidon, Rafeah, Fadhilah Adibah Ismail, Siti Khadijah Ab Manan, Noorul Huda Sahari, and Azhar Abdul Aziz. “Preventing Illegal Marriages in the Light of Maqasid Al-Shariah.” Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 25, no. January (2017).
  17. Opwis, Felicitas. “Maslaha in Contemporary Islamic Legal Theory.” Islamic Law and Society 12, no. 2 (2005): 182–223. https://doi.org/10.1163/1568519054093699.
  18. Parsons, Talcott, and Edward A Shils. “Values, Motives, and Systems of Action.” Toward a General Theory of Action 33 (1951): 247–75.
  19. Pemerintah Republik Indonesia. Undang-Undang No. 16 Tahun 2019 Tentang Perubahan UU No. 4 Tahun 1974 tentang Perubahan Batas Usia Perkawinan (2019).
  20. Sainun, Sainun, Hery Zarkasih, and Arif Sugitanata. “Tuan Guru and the Efforts to Prevent Early Marriage Among Sasak Tribe.” De Jure: Jurnal Hukum Dan Syar’iah 16, no. 1 (June 21, 2024): 37–57. https://doi.org/10.18860/j-fsh.v16i1.23742.
  21. Uddin, Emaj. Social, Political, and Health Implications of Early Marriage. Edited by Emaj Uddin. Advances in Psychology, Mental Health, and Behavioral Studies. United State of America: IGI Global, 2024. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-3394-5.
  22. Widiyanto, Asfa, Siti Zumrotun, and Heru Saputra. “The Prevention of Underage Marriage in Indonesia: State, Religious Authority and Human Rights.” Justicia Islamica 21, no. 2 (October 10, 2024): 401–22. https://doi.org/10.21154/justicia.v21i2.9771.
  23. Zubaidah, Ismail Siti, and Awang Mat Muhamad Zahiri. “The Concepts of Sakinah, Mawaddah and Rahmah as Foundation for Marital Happiness According to the Holy Qurʾan: An Analysis Based on Ayat 21, Surah Al-Rum.” Al-Bayan: Journal of Qur’an and Hadith Studies 14, no. 2 (2016): 206–22. https://doi.org/10.1163/22321969-12340039.
  24. Interviews
  25. Alimin. “Interview with Teachers at Islamic Boarding Schools.” 2024.
  26. Banna, Ahmad Hasan Al. “Interview with the Caretaker of Al-Munawaroh Islamic Boarding School in Lamongan.” 2024.
  27. Basyir, Suparno Ali. “Interview with the Caretaker of the Darun Najah Islamic Boarding School in Lamongan.” 2024.
  28. Kholis, Nur. “Interview with the Student’s Guardian.” 2024.
  29. Masiroh, Siti. “Data from Interviews with Religious Courts and Population and Family Planning Institutions in Lamongan Regency.” Lamongan, 2024.
  30. ———. “Data from Interviews with the Population and Family Planning Agency of Lamongan Regency.” Lamongan, 2024.
  31. ———. “Interview with Brondong Religious Affairs Office Staff.” 2024.
  32. Mazir. “Interview with the Clerk of the Lamongan Religious Court.” 2024.
  33. Salman. “Interview with Teachers at the Darun Najah Islamic Boarding School, Lamongan.” 2024.

Open Access Copyright (c) 2025 Siti Masiroh, M. Noor Harisudin, Mokhamad Ali Ridlo
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

ULUL ALBAB: Jurnal Studi dan Penelitian Hukum Islam
Published by Department of Sharia, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung Semarang
Jl. Kaligawe Ray KM. 4 Semarang, Indonesia
Website: https://jurnal.unissula.ac.id/index.php/ua
Email: jurnalululalbab@unissula.ac.id

ULUL ALBAB stats

ISSN: 2597-6168 (Print)
ISSN: 2597-6176 (Online)
DOI : 10.30659/jua

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Get a feed by atom here, RRS2 here and OAI Links here

apps