KDEI does not just conduct weddings as the entire process must be complied with, including such stages as family interviews, document verification, and premarital counseling with the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – A total of 87 Indonesian couples in Taiwan participated in a mass wedding ceremony facilitated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (known as KDEI) in Taipei.

Cecep Khairul Anwar, Director of Religious Affairs and Family Development at the Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, expressed his appreciation for the event, the ministry said in a written explanation on its website, Monday (Aug. 25).

According to Cecep, the mass weddings on Formosa Island are actually showing a positive trend. "From initially only 35-40 pairs, today 87 Indonesian couples in Taiwan participated in the mass wedding ceremony.

“This is encouraging news," Cecep said in his remarks in Taiwan on Sunday (August 24, 2025).

Marriage is not just a formality, but a lifelong act of worship, Cecep explained, noting that, compared to other periodic acts of worship such as fasting or zakat (alms), marriage is the longest form of worship.

"From the moment of the marriage vows until the end of life, every interaction between husband and wife is an act of worship. Giving a smile, making coffee, earning a living—all of these are acts of worship," he explained.

Cecep reminded that marriage is mitsaqan ghalizhan or a sacred covenant, as affirmed in Al Quran. Therefore, marriage must be undertaken with sincerity, not lightly, and always based on worship.

“Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would be proud of his followers who uphold the sanctity of marriage," he said.

The Head of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (KDEI) in Taipei, Arief Sulistyo, emphasized that the mass wedding program is a form of government assistance for Indonesian citizens who are unable to return to Indonesia to marry.

He noted that many migrant workers are unable to return home due to limited leave or financial resources.

"Therefore, KDEI is collaborating with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to organize weddings abroad so they can still legally observe Islamic law," he said.

He explained that each registration of prospective couples is strictly verified in accordance with Minister of Religious Affairs Regulation Number 30 of 2024 concerning Marriage Registration.

He also revealed that out of a total of 355 applicants, only 87 couples were declared eligible.

KDEI does not just conduct weddings as the entire process must be complied with, including such stages as family interviews, document verification, and premarital counseling with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, he pointed out.

Arief also announced that starting this year, the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (KDEI) in Taipei will develop a service similar to that of overseas Religious Affairs Offices (KUA).

“Every month, coinciding with Sunday Service, we will offer mass wedding services. This way, Indonesian citizens in Taiwan will have easier access to legal marriage," he said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window