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Marriage is one of the fundamental institutions in Indonesian law, regulated through Law Number 1 of 1974 concerning Marriage as subsequently amended by Law Number 16 of 2019. The practice of polygamy in Indonesia is not absolutely prohibited, yet it is subject to strict requirements, including obtaining prior permission from the Religious Court and consent from the existing wife or wives. The absence of such permission constitutes a serious violation of marital law. This study examines the juridical review of polygamy without permission under Indonesian marriage law, focusing on the high-profile case of Ahmad Dhani and Maia Estianty. Using a normative legal research method with a statutory and case study approach, this paper analyzes the legal basis of polygamy regulation, the legal consequences of unauthorized polygamy, and the legal remedies available to aggrieved parties. The findings indicate that Ahmad Dhani's marriage to Mulan Jameela without obtaining permission from the Religious Court and without the consent of his first wife, Maia Estianty, constituted an unlawful act under Indonesian marriage law. Such unauthorized polygamy renders the second marriage legally defective and potentially voidable. Furthermore, the aggrieved wife has the legal right to file for divorce and claim compensation under applicable civil law provisions. This study also reveals systemic weaknesses in the enforcement of polygamy regulations in Indonesia, particularly the lack of effective sanctions against violators. Recommendations are directed at legislative reform to strengthen existing provisions and enhance judicial oversight of polygamous marriages in Indonesia.

One of the most contentious topics in modern Islamic family law is polygamous marriage, especially in plural legal systems like Indonesia where national laws and human rights concepts collide with religious standards. With an emphasis on the pursuit of substantive justice within both Islamic and national legal paradigms, this study uses a socio-legal framework to analyze Indonesia's reform of polygamous marriage law. In order to evaluate the efficacy of current legal regulations, such as Law No. 1 of 1974 as amended by Law No. 16 of 2019 and the Compilation of Islamic Law, this study combines the principles of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah with socio-legal theory, drawing on normative-theological analysis and qualitative doctrinal research. The results show that normative legal ideals and actual socio-legal reality continue to diverge. The ability of statutory rules to provide women and children with meaningful protection is limited because, although they set stringent procedural requirements to prevent polygamy, their execution frequently remains formalistic and institutionally constricted. Furthermore, the achievement of justice as envisioned in Islamic ethical principles is undermined by the persistence of dominant patriarchal legal cultures in influencing judicial procedures and public attitudes. In order to reframe polygamy as a conditional socio-ethical institution rather than an inalienable legal privilege, this paper suggests a reform-oriented legal framework. The study promotes a contextualized view of Islamic law that is consistent with both international human rights norms and constitutional ideals by placing a strong emphasis on substantive justice, gender fairness, and public benefit. The results provide policy-relevant insights for creating a more just and socially responsive family law system in Indonesia and add to the ongoing discussions on Islamic legal reform.

This study discusses the judge’s considerations in granting permission for polygamy to a husband who had committed adultery, as stated in the Religious Court Decision of Tanjung Karang Number: 737/Pdt.G/2024/PA.Tnk. Generally, Law No. 1 of 1974 in conjunction with Law No. 16 of 2019 on Marriage upholds the principle of monogamy but allows polygamy under certain conditions with court approval. This case is particularly interesting because the court granted permission for polygamy to a husband who was proven to have engaged in an affair and committed adultery resulting in a child born out of wedlock. The study aims to identify the legal considerations of the judge and the legal implications regarding the marriage and joint property. The research employs an applied normative legal method with a qualitative approach, using primary data from interviews and secondary data from legislation and legal literature. The results show that the judge considered granting permission for polygamy as a means of legalizing the existing relationship to maintain public morality and prevent continuous sinful behavior, although it conflicts with moral values. Legally, the second wife has no rights over the joint property acquired before the polygamous marriage, as stipulated in Article 65 paragraph (1) letter b of the Marriage Law