16yr Old Indonesian Boy Marries 71yr Old Woman With Suicide Threat If Marriage Is Blocked

A 16-year-old teenager, Selamat Riayadi, has
married a 71-year old widow named only as
Rohaya, after threatening to commit suicide if his
family blocked the marriage.
The wedding, which took place in their home
village of Karangendah in Indonesia, was officiated
by their community leader named Kuswoyo and
witnessed by many guests who screamed and
cheered in celebration.
DAILY MAIL reports that Kuswoyo and the
groom’s brother gave their permission for the
couple to wed despite their 55 year age gap.
The marriage is not believed to be motivated by
money, as both newlyweds are equally poor.
Selamat’s family made a dowry payment to
Rohaya’s family of about £11.50 (200,000
Indonesian Rupiah)
A video of the wedding ceremony shows the
young groom put his face in his hands as the
union is proclaimed, his expression unreadable.
His new wife sits quietly beside him as the
wedding guests go wild with delight.
In Indonesia, men must be at least 19 before they
get married, but a loophole in the law allows for
marriage under an individual’s ‘religious norms’.
They reportedly formed a ‘nikah siri’ marriage
according to Islamic laws but not the state laws.