The Ceremonial Protocol: From Siraman to Ijab Qabul
In Java and Sunda, the wedding begins the day before with the *Siraman* (ritual bath). Seven senior happily married elders pour water infused with seven fragrant flowers (Kembang Setaman) over the bride and groom at their respective homes, washing away negative past karma.
The centerpiece of the wedding is the *Akad Nikah*. The solemnization takes place around a low wooden table covered in white jasmine garlands. The government marriage registrar (*Penghulu*) from the local KUA presides. The bride’s father takes the groom’s right hand and recites the *Ijab* in Indonesian or Arabic. The groom must recite the *Qabul* (acceptance) clearly in a single unbroken breath without hesitation. Once the witnesses declare "Sah!" (Valid!), the bride enters the room, and both receive their official *Buku Nikah*.
The Resepsi: Communal Feast & The "Pelaminan" Throne
Following the Akad, the couple changes from white ceremony attire into magnificent royal traditional regalia—such as the Javanese *Solo Basahan*, the Sundanese *Siger* crown, or the towering golden *Suntiang* headdress of West Sumatra.
At the *Resepsi*, the newlyweds sit on the *Pelaminan* (grand wedding stage) like king and queen for three to four hours. Hundreds of guests—often 500 to 1,500 people—file past in a continuous receiving line to shake hands (*Salaman*). Guests place envelopes of cash into a secure locked gift box (*Kotak Amplop*) at the guestbook reception desk.
Catering is the primary budget line: guests expect an endless buffet featuring Indonesian culinary staples: *Rendang Daging*, *Soto Betawi*, chicken satay with peanut sauce, and gourmet dessert stalls serving *Es Doger* and modern pastries.
Legal Notary Fees: Anti-Corruption Reforms at the KUA
Historically, couples were subjected to arbitrary under-the-table extortion by rogue marriage registrars (*Penghulu*). In 2014, the Indonesian government enacted historic anti-corruption reforms under Government Regulation PP No. 48 of 2014.
Under this statute: - Solemnizing an Akad Nikah inside the local KUA office during official business hours (Monday-Friday) is **100% completely free of charge (Rp 0)**. - If the couple requests the Penghulu to travel to an outside venue, hotel, or hold the ceremony on a Saturday/Sunday, the official statutory fee is fixed at **600,000 IDR**, paid directly via official government bank transfer into state treasury accounts (*Kas Negara*). Tipping or giving cash directly to the Penghulu is strictly illegal.