Indonesian man, 74, pays Rs 2 crore ‘bride price’ to marry 24-year-old woman

Initially, the wedding videography team had been informed that the bride price would be one billion rupiah (₹60 lakh), but it was reportedly “upgraded” to three billion rupiah (₹1.8 crore) during the ceremony. In an unusual twist, guests received 100,000 rupiah (₹6,000) in cash instead of traditional wedding gifts.

Shortly after the event, the wedding photography company accused the couple of leaving without paying for their services and cutting off contact. Online speculation also emerged that Tarman may have fled the scene on a motorcycle belonging to the bride’s family, and some questioned the authenticity of the three-billion-rupiah (₹1.8 crore) cheque, the SCMP report added.

A relative from the bride’s side voiced frustration during a live-stream, saying that both family and neighbours had warned her to be cautious, but she nonetheless became embroiled in the controversy.

Facing mounting scrutiny, Tarman later confirmed on social media that the bride price was genuine and backed by Indonesia’s Bank Central Asia (BCA). He also denied claims that he had abandoned his bride, stating: “I did not leave my wife, we are still together.” The bride’s family echoed this, adding that the couple had merely gone on their honeymoon.

Authorities have since launched an investigation into the complaint filed by the wedding photography company over unpaid service fees.

According to the Journal of Family Issues, the average spousal age gap in Indonesia has been decreasing in recent years, making this union particularly unusual.