EARLY MARRIAGE AMONG WOMAN IN THE BUGIS CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE WITH A TRANSCULTURAL NURSING APPROACH IN BONE REGENCY = PERNIKAHAN DINI PADA PEREMPUAN DALAM PERSPEKTIF BUDAYA BUGIS DENGAN PENDEKATAN TRANSCULTURAL NURSING DI KABUPATEN BONE

Introduction: Early marriage remains a significant phenomenon in Indonesia, particularly in Bone Regency, South Sulawesi, where Bugis cultural values exert a strong influence on life decisions. This study aims to explore the phenomenon of early marriage among women using a Transcultural Nursing approach (Leininger's Sunrise Model) to understand the underlying cultural, social, and economic factors. Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 10 female participants who married at an early age in Bone Regency. The data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns related to the components of the Sunrise Model. Results: The study identified four main themes: (1) Women's perceptions of early marriage, viewed as moral protection; (2) Reasons and considerations for marriage, including cultural factors such as Pammali (prohibition of rejecting a marriage proposal), maintaining family honor (Siri’), family decision dominance, and economic pressure; (3) Reproductive experiences, showing low female autonomy due to husband and family dominance in contraceptive use; and (4) Post-marriage life changes, including social interaction restrictions and economic dependence on the extended family. Discussion: Early marriage in Bone Regency is a result of cultural constructions that prioritize family obedience over individual autonomy. Traditional values like Siri’ and Pammali act as powerful social controls but simultaneously limit women's access to adequate education and reproductive health. Transcultural nursing interventions are expected to bridge local cultural values with health education to improve maternal and child welfare.