TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Muhammad Ridwan and Nida Khofia Syukur, two newlyweds who officiated their marriage on December 4 in the Cianjur Regency, West Java, faced mixed emotions as their wedding was held amidst houses that have partially turned to rubbles caused by last month’s devastating magnitude 5.6 shallow earthquake.

Traditional ceremonial processions or entertainment were absent at the wedding. The bride and groom only wore simple wedding dresses, then knelt in front of the headman (penghulu) from the Religious Affairs Office of Cugenang District, while around there were only immediate family members and evacuees and the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Despite all limitations, the marriage went smoothly as it was initially planned two months prior.

"The wedding plans have been going on for two months, all arrangements and the contract schedule have been registered with the Cugenang District Office of Religious Affairs, so it must still take place (the Islamic marriage contract)," Ridwan told reporters in Cianjur, Sunday, December 4.

Ridwan was visibly emotional with happiness and somberness mixed together as he also lost his younger sibling who died after being struck by his house that collapsed during the earthquake.

"I’m happy because I can legally become a husband. But, I am also sad because of the earthquake yesterday I had to lose my younger sibling," said Ridwan, who hoped that his marriage to Nida would at least bring a glimpse of light for family members and neighbors amid a tragedy caused by the earthquake.

DEDEN ABDUL AZIZ

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