The Role of Marriage Counselors in Pre-Divorce Mediation A Preventive Effort to Reduce Divorce Rates in Indonesia

Suardi Maninggesa

Authors

Suardi Maninggesa Institut Nasional Nusantara Al-Farabi

Keywords:

Divorce, Counselor, Pre-divorce Mediation

Abstract

The rising divorce rate in Indonesia over the past decade necessitates a more holistic approach beyond formal legal mechanisms. Although court-mandated mediation is required under Supreme Court Regulation (PERMA) No. 1 of 2016, reconciliation success rates remain low due to a focus that is often predominantly administrative and legalistic. This study aims to analyze the strategic role of marriage counselors as non-judicial mediators during the pre-divorce phase, specifically in facilitating psychological and communicative interventions. The study employs a literature review methodology focusing on scholarly journals. The findings indicate that counselor involvement can reduce emotional tension and improve dysfunctional communication patterns between couples. However, major obstacles include the lack of integration between counseling institutions and the judicial system, as well as societal stigma surrounding mental health services. The article concludes that strengthening the role of counselors in pre-divorce mediation serves as an effective preventive measure to curb divorce rates and safeguard national family resilience.

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