Jakarta, July 6 -- The Religious Affairs Ministry stressed that the free mass weddings is an effort by the government to strengthen family resilience and raise people's awareness of the importance of registering marriage.

The program offers couples facilities to get married, from outfits, make-up and hairdo, and even the dowry, all free of charge, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar said here on Sunday. He noted that the registration is important to ensure families get their rights and legal protection.

Moreover, it is also a means to maintain Indonesia's disposition, identity, and values, as marriage is a matter beyond bond between two people, he added.

Umar said that some people still refuse to register their marriage in relig...