Tarman Marries 24-Year-Old Shela Arika for Rp 3 Billion
The marriage of 74-year-old Tarman and 24-year-old Shela Arika in Pacitan Regency, East Java, on October 1, 2025, quickly became one of Indonesia’s most talked-about events. The wedding went viral after reports confirmed that Tarman presented a Rp 3 billion (US $180,000 or ₹1.8 crore) bride price, astonishing the public and media alike.
The ceremony was lavish and attended by hundreds of guests, where the groom reportedly handed over a large cheque symbolizing the massive dowry. Attendees were equally surprised when every guest received a cash gift of Rp 100,000, instead of traditional souvenirs, further fueling conversations across social media.
Videos and images from the event circulated widely on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, creating a storm of fascination and debate. The South China Morning Post, Indian Express, VnExpress, and NewsX were among the global outlets confirming the authenticity of the marriage and the dowry.
While some netizens admired the grand gesture of love, others criticized the age gap and questioned the sincerity of the union. Regardless of opinions, the story highlighted how social media amplifies personal milestones into worldwide phenomena, turning a private wedding into a global headline overnight
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Rumors, Police Clarifications, and Fake Cheque Allegations
In the days following the viral wedding, rumors began to circulate suggesting that Tarman had disappeared with the bride’s family motorcycle after handing over a fake cheque. Local gossip claimed that the wedding videographer was unpaid and that the elderly groom had absconded, leaving behind confusion and unpaid bills.
However, regional Indonesian media, including Tribun Jakarta, quickly stepped in to verify these claims. The Pacitan Police publicly denied the allegations of fraud or escape, confirming that the couple had been traced to their honeymoon destination and were still together. Authorities stated that there was no criminal case involved, and any disputes with vendors were categorized as civil matters, not crimes.
Further investigation confirmed that the cheque was genuine and could be legally cashed by the bride’s family. The police emphasized that social media had exaggerated many aspects of the story, creating unnecessary drama around what was, in essence, a legitimate marriage between two consenting adults.
These clarifications helped restore credibility to the couple’s story, even as online discussions continued. The incident demonstrated the rapid spread of misinformation online and the importance of fact-checking by credible news agencies
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Media Reactions, Authenticity, and Public Debate
The marriage of Tarman and Shela Arika became a symbolic viral event that sparked deep discussions about age, wealth, and social perception in modern Indonesian culture. News portals like South China Morning Post, Indian Express, Propakistani, and several Indonesian regional dailies confirmed the authenticity of the marriage and the dowry payment, countering the swirl of social media gossip.
Tarman’s personal background, which includes earlier legal disputes and a reputation for eccentric generosity, added complexity to the narrative. Despite speculation, there was no legal wrongdoing, and authorities confirmed the legitimacy of the union.
Public reactions remained mixed: some saw the bride price as a token of devotion and financial security for the young bride, while others criticized it as a symbol of inequality and extravagance. The Rp 3 billion cheque, prominently displayed during the ceremony, became a visual icon of the viral story — shared millions of times online.
Ultimately, this marriage stands as a striking reminder of how quickly personal stories can become international sensations in the age of digital media. The facts verified by law enforcement and reputable media underline that the marriage was indeed real, the cheque was authentic, and the couple did not flee.
What began as a local wedding in East Java evolved into a global viral event, redefining how love, money, and age intersect in today’s hyperconnected world.
Sylhet-based creator Nadia Sultana
