Tying Different Knots

AFTER more than a year of dating, Ratna and Bimo (not their real names) decided to tie the knot. They were of different religions, but they did not see that as an obstacle. Their families had agreed to the union. "In the beginning they were opposed to it, but later they gave their blessing," Ratna told Tempo. It was also decided that neither Ratna nor Bimo would would convert to the other's faith for the marriage.

An obstacle did arise-from Indonesian law, which prohibits interfaith marriage. Unwilling to sacrifice their principles, Ratna and Bimo came up with a strategy to have their marriage acknowledged and accepted by the state. "So that our rights and obligations as husband and wife would be legally acknowledged," Ratna said.

September 9, 2014