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AKARTA: Defense Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Jundan Eko Bintoro confirmed in a letter circulated among its staffers that the ministry allows polygamy.

'€œ[The rules allowing polygamy] have been in effect since July 22,'€ Jundan said as quoted by tempo.co on Friday.

The circular gives details on the ministry'€™s regulation on marriage and divorce for its employees, as is signed by secretary-general Brig. Gen. Sumardi.

The circular states that male civil servants in the Defense Ministry are allowed to have multiple wives. The women, however, are not allowed to have multiple husbands. '€œRead it. Even though we allow it, the requirements are not easy to meet,'€ Jundan added.

The rules state that all employees, both men and women, are only permitted to have one husband or wife. However, there is an exception for men, who are allowed to have multiple wives if it is not against their religion, and he must fulfill at least one of the additional requirements.

The additional requirements for permission include situations in which the first wife is no longer able to serve as a wife, suffers from a serious illness or physical disability or is unable to bear a child.

Also, the male who wishes to be polygamous must present written consent from his wife and show evidence of enough income to support multiple wives by presenting his income tax report. He must also make a written statement promising to treat his family fairly.