Legal Analysis: Interfaith Marriage Between Muslim Men and Buddhist Women In Indonesia And Myanmar

Abstract

Interfaith marriage leads to intricate legal and social challenges in countries, including Indonesia and Myanmar, where constitutional guarantees of religious freedom intersect with religious principles and state legislation. This article explores the legal complexities surrounding interfaith marriages in these nations, with a focus on marriages between Muslim men and Buddhist women. In Indonesia, while interfaith marriage is neither explicitly permitted nor prohibited, legal uncertainties arise from conflicting religious principles and national laws. Myanmar, on the other hand, allows interfaith marriage for Buddhist women through specific legislation. The registration process for such marriages varies between the two countries, further complicating the legal landscape. From a human rights perspective, restrictions on interfaith marriage in Indonesia and statute laws focused on the majority of Buddhists in Myanmar violate principles of freedom of religion and non-discrimination. This analysis highlights the challenges and complexities of balancing religious freedoms, national laws, and human rights principles in the context of interfaith marriage in Indonesia and Myanmar.