Wedding traditions on Lombok

This may sound very dramatic, but the woman agrees to this and it is actually regarded as a very romantic expression. It is not unusual that the couple has been dating for a while.

This tradition has its origin from Bali. It shows a lot of courage from the man to kidnap his woman. After the man has kidnapped his wife to be, he has to hide her from her family and her village for a while. Then, after things have settled down the man goes to the leader of the village to inform that his intention is to marry the woman. Then the village leader goes to the family, and the father of the girl will give his answer, so the village leader can bring it back to the man.

If they agree, every thing is fine and they can go ahead and get married. If the parents do not agree, there can be a dispute between the village of the woman and the village of the man that can last for months. The men are looked upon as outlaws until the father accepts the marriage offer, so for the man a certain amount of danger is involved. How the bride napping happens is also a factor when it comes to the price, if some one sees it happen the price will go up. This is the way for at proposal, to just ask would be disrespectful.

Weddings are often very expensive, especially in the north of Lombok. Sometimes it may cost about 12 cows, which is about 60 million Rupiah, in bride price. In Lombok divorces are not uncommon. Both men and women can ask for a divorce.

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