Controversy Erupts Over Unpaid Banquet Fees After Wedding
Elderly Groom Denies Allegations, Insists Check Is Genuine
On the island of Java in Indonesia, a man in his 70s married a woman in her 20s, offering a bride price of approximately 260 million won. This has caused a significant stir in the local community. However, immediately after the wedding, controversy erupted over unpaid photography fees, and suspicions of forged checks have been raised, fueling debate over the authenticity of the marriage.
A 74-year-old man in Indonesia reportedly paid a bride price of 3 billion rupiah (approximately 260 million won) to marry a woman 50 years younger. Photo captured from South China Morning Post
According to local media and the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP), the wedding took place on October 1 in Pasitan Regency, East Java. The groom is 74-year-old Tarman, and his bride is 24-year-old Shella Arikada. Tarman publicly pledged a bride price of 3 billion rupiah (approximately 260 million won), thereby formalizing the marriage.
In the released wedding video, Tarman is seen handing over a check as guests cheer. It was also reported that the couple distributed 100,000 rupiah (8,600 won) in cash to guests, and the wedding banquet was held at a venue with facilities comparable to those of a luxury hotel.
However, the situation changed dramatically immediately after the event. The photographer in charge of the shoot claimed that "the couple left without paying for the service, and have since been unreachable," sparking controversy. Unconfirmed rumors quickly spread that the groom had fled on a motorcycle provided by the bride’s family. Online communities began to raise suspicions that the check might have been forged.
In response, Tarman directly addressed the situation on social media in an attempt to quell the rumors. He emphasized, "The check in question is an official check issued by Bank Central Asia (BCA) in Indonesia and is not a forgery." He also clarified, "The story that I abandoned my wife and ran away after the wedding is completely untrue. I am living well with my wife."
The bride’s family also issued a statement. They expressed their bewilderment, saying, "The couple simply went on their honeymoon, but malicious rumors are spreading."
The photographer has filed a complaint with the authorities regarding the unpaid photography fees. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are currently reviewing the credibility of the payment-related statements.
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