There are reports that the number of people entering into temporary marriages for money and life comforts is on the rise. Women perform short-term marriages to satisfy tourists. When the travelers go back, the marriage breaks up. Isn’t that strange? Does it sound like the story is being told when you listen? But this is not a story but the truth. In Indonesian villages, these types of marriages are now introduced through agencies.
Ananda Vivaham (pleasure marriage) is when young women from poor backgrounds engage in short-term marriages in exchange for money. Most of the weddings are with tourists from the Middle East. According to the report, the phenomenon is widespread in Pancak, a popular destination in western Indonesia that attracts Arab tourists. The report also states that many visitors sexually exploit local women through temporary marriages arranged by agencies at the mountain resort of Kota Bunga. Agencies introduce women to tourists. Once both parties agree, a quick, informal wedding ceremony is performed. The man then pays the woman a bride price and in return, the bride provides sexual and domestic services to the groom until he leaves. When the tourist goes back, the marriage will be dissolved. According to the report, pleasure weddings have emerged as a profitable industry and boost tourism and the local economy.
