In a story that has captured widespread attention across social media, a 74-year-old Indonesian man has reportedly paid a staggering US $180,000 (around Rs. 50 million) as a bride price (mahr) to marry a 24-year-old woman in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
The extravagant dowry — which included cash, gold jewelry, and property deeds — was presented during a high-profile wedding ceremony attended by local officials, religious leaders, and family members.
Videos of the wedding quickly went viral, showing the elderly groom and his young bride during the traditional ceremony, sparking mixed reactions from the public.
While some social media users congratulated the couple and cited cultural customs, others questioned the age gap and the extravagant bride price, saying it reflects growing social and economic divides.
Religious scholars and sociologists noted that while bride price payments are common in Indonesian culture, the amount in this case was “exceptionally high” and likely symbolic of status and prestige rather than religious obligation.
The couple has not publicly commented on the viral attention surrounding their marriage.
