Indonesia Religious Records

For information about how to obtain records for Roman Catholic and Protestant churches see Indonesia Church Records.

Islamic Records
Islam has no priesthood, therefore no ordinances or sacraments. Sincere recitation of the profession of faith is the only requirement to become a Muslim. Marriages are entered into through a formal prenuptial agreement (nikah nama). The terms of the contract would be written and signed by the couple. Early marriages may have only required a spoken offer of marriage and acceptance. In either case, two male witnesses were essential to establishing the validity of the marriage.

Marriage records (Surat kawin Muslim) contain the names of the bride and groom, date of the marriage. They may also include the birth dates and places of the couple and the names of their parents. These records are particularly valuable prior to Indonesian independence in 1945. Records can be found at local offices of Islamic affairs.