Pacitan, East Java: In a wedding that has captured global attention, a 74 year old Indonesian man named Tarman reportedly paid a staggering bride price of three billion Indonesian rupiah (approximately Rs 2 crore) to marry 24 year old Shela Arika. The ceremony took place on October 1, 2025, in Pacitan Regency, East Java, in a lavish celebration that left many guests and observers astonished.
Initially, the wedding videography team was informed that the bride price would be one billion rupiah (around Rs 60 lakh), but during the ceremony, it was unexpectedly raised to three billion rupiah. Guests reportedly received 100,000 rupiah (roughly Rs 6,000) in cash instead of the usual wedding gifts.
Following the event, controversy arose when the wedding photography company claimed that the couple left without paying for their services and had cut off communication. Online speculation fueled debates, with some questioning the authenticity of the three billion rupiah payment and suggesting that the groom may have left the venue on a motorcycle belonging to the bride’s family.
Responding to the rumors, Tarman confirmed on social media that the bride price was genuine and backed by Indonesia’s Bank Central Asia (BCA). He also clarified that he did not abandon his bride, stating that the couple had simply gone on their honeymoon. The bride’s family supported this account, confirming that everything was legitimate and that the couple remains together.
The significant age difference between Tarman and Shela, along with the high bride price, has sparked widespread discussion and debate, drawing attention to cultural practices and societal norms in Indonesia. The event has become a focal point for conversations about marriage traditions, generational gaps and the role of wealth in modern weddings.
