Despite having a good education and a stable job, Zavaraldo Renaldy, 28, is among those putting off marriage to focus on his career.

He prefers casual dating over long-term commitments.

In 2023, there were 1.58 million marriages, which is 128,000 fewer than in 2022.

This trend is concerning for some, as Indonesia has the world's fourth-largest population.

Mr. Zavaraldo, who plans to marry in his mid-30s, prioritizes pursuing his master's degree in the Netherlands over getting married due to intense workforce competition and high housing costs.

His parents want him to settle down and start a family, but he is firm in his decision.

Experts are concerned about declining marriage figures in Indonesia, a country with a growing population, as changing attitudes towards marriage may impact population growth.

Indonesia, with a population of 277.5 million in 2023, experienced an increase from 267 million in 2018.

However, sociologist Dede Oetomo, a professor of gender studies at Airlangga University, noted a decline in marriages nationwide.

This trend could pose a challenge for Indonesia's goal of becoming a developed country by its centennial of independence in 2045.