Persepsi Siswi SMP Tentang Penundaan Perkawinan di Usia Dini

Early marriage remains a significant issue that may affect adolescents’ education, self-readiness, health, and social life. Adolescence is a developmental stage that requires opportunities to pursue education and prepare oneself before entering marital life. Understanding adolescents’ perceptions regarding the postponement of early marriage is essential as a foundation for efforts to prevent child marriage. This study aims to explore the views and perceptions of female junior high school students regarding the postponement of early marriage. This research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive design. The participants consisted of four female junior high school students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. The data were analyzed thematically through coding processes, category grouping, subtheme development, and theme construction. The study identified five themes: (1) Initial Perceptions of Junior High School Students toward Early Marriage, (2) Multidimensional Understanding of Contributing Factors, (3) Education as Social Capital and an Instrument of Independence, (4) The Construction of Marriage Readiness among Adolescents, and (5) The Dynamics of Social Environmental Influences. The findings indicate that female students generally have positive perceptions of postponing early marriage. Delaying marriage is perceived as an opportunity to complete education, achieve future aspirations, develop independence, and prepare physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially before entering marriage. Female students perceive the postponement of early marriage as an important choice associated with education, marriage readiness, understanding of contributing factors, and the influence of the social environment.