Child Free Movement in Indonesia in The Perspective of Islamic Law

Abstract

The childfree phenomenon, defined as the conscious decision by married couples not to have children, has emerged as a significant social trend in Indonesia since 2020, challenging traditional cultural and religious values particularly in Islamic teachings that emphasize procreation as a fundamental purpose of marriage. This study aims to analyze the childfree movement from the perspective of Islamic law, examining its compatibility with marriage purposes as defined in the Compilation of Islamic Law (KHI) and exploring the legal and social implications of this contemporary phenomenon. Using a qualitative normative legal analysis approach, this research examines primary sources including the KHI, relevant Quranic verses, and contemporary Islamic jurisprudence, while incorporating sociological analysis to understand driving factors. The research identifies both internal factors (psychological and lifestyle influences) and external factors (economic and environmental concerns) contributing to the childfree phenomenon. The childfree movement represents a complex intersection of modern lifestyle choices and traditional Islamic values, and while not explicitly prohibited, the practice is discouraged in Islamic law due to its conflict with fundamental marriage purposes and human lineage preservation.