This paper outlines the multidimensional social and psychological landscape of relationships involving underage girls ( gadis bawah umur
Ironically, many peer groups protect predatory relationships. If a 17-year-old boy dates a 13-year-old girl, peers often tease them as "couple goals" rather than reporting it. This normalization is dangerous.
Social and Family Pressure: In some communities, there can be pressure on young girls to engage in early marriages or relationships due to social or economic factors. This can deprive them of their childhood, education, and future opportunities.
The consequences of gadis bawah umur relationships are far-reaching. Early marriage is associated with lower levels of education attainment, as girls are often forced to drop out of school to assume domestic responsibilities (World Bank, 2018). Additionally, child brides are more likely to experience poor health outcomes, including early pregnancy, maternal mortality, and HIV/AIDS (WHO, 2018).
In Indonesia, the term "gadis bawah umur" has become a growing concern in recent years. The country's child marriage rate is among the highest in Southeast Asia, with approximately 1 in 5 girls married before the age of 18 ( UNICEF, 2019). These early marriages often involve significant age gaps, with older men marrying underage girls. This practice has serious consequences for the girls involved, including limited access to education, increased risk of domestic violence, and negative health outcomes.