Difficult for us to "Officially" Get Married

Despite all the various awards they have received, the Sunda Wiwitan community in Cigugur, Kuningan regency, West Java, are still experiencing discrimination. One of them is marriage not being recognized by the state.

KOMPAS/RINI KUSTIASIH

Dozens of dancers performed Buyung Dance in front of the Paseban Tri Panca Tunggal courtyard, Cigugur District, Kuningan Regency, Tuesday (6/10), at the peak of the Seren Taun event held by Sundanese Wiwitan followers.

Ahead of their wedding, Ajat Sudrajat, 26, and Anih Kurniasih, 21, were overcome with worry. The pledge of the couple, both Indonesian citizens, is in danger of not being recognized by the state.

"If the marriage cannot be registered at the Religious Affairs Office (KUA), we will be disappointed. It\'s the right of all citizens. Why is it made difficult for minorities such as us? In fact, we carry out our obligations as citizens," said Ajat, Saturday (29/5/2021). Ajat and Anih are followers of Sunda Wiwitan, a belief system that follows the spiritual teachings of Sundanese ancestors. Even though it existed before the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), the Karuhun Urang Customary (Akur) community of Sunda Wiwitan has not been fully recognized by the state.