Rise in divorce rate this Ramadan

TANGERANG: The Tangerang Religious Court has received divorce requests filed by 43 couples during Ramadan this year, double that of the fasting month last year.

"Divorce cases increased by more than 50 percent in comparison to the same period last year," Haerudin, the religious court chief said Wednesday.

He said the rising rate of divorce was mostly triggered by the "classic" reason: absence of harmony caused by irresponsible husbands.

The office paid special attention to the divorce rate during Ramadan this year because officials said the fasting month should be a month about forgiveness and the strengthening of bonds between family members and friends.

"This court is a place for couples to seek justice. If both husband and wife can still be guided, divorce can be prevented, but if they refuse to be guided we leave it up to them," he added. - JP