The Impact Of Turun Ranjang Marriage: An Analysis Of The Jantho Sharia Court Decision No. 277/Pdt.G/2024/Ms.Jth

This study examines the phenomenon of turun ranjang marriage in Aceh, a practice in which a man marries the younger sister of his deceased wife. The analysis focuses on the Jantho Sharia Court Decision No. 277/Pdt.G/2024/MS.Jth, which granted a divorce due to the absence of mutual consent. Employing a qualitative case study approach through interviews and document analysis, this research reveals that although turun ranjang marriages are legally valid under both Islamic law and Indonesian positive law, they often lead to serious issues in practice—particularly when coercion or emotional pressure from family members and the husband occurs. The case under study shows that the couple never lived together and experienced conflict from the very first day of marriage. The judges ruled in favor of divorce based on continuous disputes and evidence of psychological coercion. From an Islamic legal perspective, such a marriage falls under the category of ‘urf sahih (a legitimate custom) as long as it does not contradict Sharia principles and is entered into willingly by both parties. However, from a social standpoint, it poses significant risks, including psychological distress, family disintegration, and customary conflict. This study recommends that all marriages—particularly turun ranjang marriages—be entered into only after careful consideration and without any form of coercion, to promote family well-being and harmony.