Indonesian man, 74, pays US$180,000 to marry woman, 24, raising eyebrows, debate

A 74-year-old Indonesian man has caused a stir after reportedly paying a bride price of three billion rupiah (US$180,000) to marry a woman 50 years his junior.

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The unlikely couple allegedly fuelled the controversy after they disappeared without paying their photographer, prompting a police investigation.

A lavish wedding ceremony took place on October 1, in Pacitan Regency, East Java province, when the man, named Tarman, publicly announced his marriage to 24-year-old Shela Arika and presented a hefty bride price of three billion Indonesian rupiah.

Some people have speculated online that the cheque for the huge amount was a forgery. Photo: TikTok
Some people have speculated online that the cheque for the huge amount was a forgery. Photo: TikTok

It is unclear how the couple met.

According to the wedding videography team, they were initially informed that the bride price would be a billion rupiah (US$60,000). However, during the event, it was suddenly “upgraded” to three billion rupiah.

Videos circulating online show the ceremony held at a lavish venue, with guests erupting in cheers as the groom presented a cheque for three billion rupiah.

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Instead of receiving wedding gifts, the hosts reportedly gave out 100,000 rupiah (US$6) in cash to guests.

The groom and his bride at the wedding ceremony. It is unclear how they first met. Photo: TikTok
The groom and his bride at the wedding ceremony. It is unclear how they first met. Photo: TikTok

  

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