Latest News

Indonesian Women Apologise After Their Dogs’ ‘Wedding’ Sparks Backlash, Event Reportedly Cost S$18K

Dogs Get Married In Extravagant Indonesian Wedding Ceremony That Cost Almost S$18K

Weddings are an important milestone for many couples, which explains why some are willing to spend a pretty penny on a lavish ceremony.

As it turns out, there are those who are willing to splurge on a wedding for their furkids too.

A recent viral TikTok video shows two Alaskan Malamutes tying the knot in a ceremony at a mall in Indonesia.

The extravagant event reportedly cost the canines’ owners up to 200 million rupiah (S$17,700).

Indonesian owners hold lavish wedding ceremony for dogs

TikTok user @neverendingchillife shared footage of the ceremony, which has since garnered over 4.2 million views.

The video starts by showing a procession of people decked out in elegant traditional wear as they escort the dogs in.

Source: TikTok

Both of the dogs are dressed to the nines as well, peering around curiously as they are led to the altar in what Kompas reported was Central Market, a mall in Jakarta.

Source: TikTok

The camera then pans around to show the guests snapping pictures of the happy canine couple.

In a subsequent image, the pups wait patiently with their owners as the wedding continues.

 

Source: TikTok

Owners initially planned to only celebrate birthdays

According to CNBC Indonesia, owners Valentina Chandra and Indira Ratnasari married the two dogs, Jojo and Luna, in a wedding ceremony using Javanese traditions.

Source: @ballooney.id on Instagram

Ms Indira, who is also a member of the Indonesian president’s Special Staff team, shared that the ceremony cost as much as 200 million rupiah (S$17,700).

Speaking to Kompas, Ms Valentina said they had initially only planned to celebrate the canines’ birthdays.

The duo then came across wedding planners and decided to make the ceremony a reality, hosting it last Friday (14 July), with the dogs’ ‘engagement’ back in May.

In addition, it was a joint event celebrating the Malamutes’ birthdays.

The pair had even exceeded their budget — which was originally 100 million rupiah (S$8,800) — while planning for the wedding.

This was due to the numerous Javanese customs the pair had incorporated into the ceremony, being Javanese themselves.

For instance, the dogs had donned traditional clothing that came from the Javanese archipelago.

Source: @elise_santoso on Instagram

Ms Valentina shared that the reason for this was due to a desire to preserve their culture.

All of the invited guests and their dogs also had to wear clothes with batik elements. Ultimately, about 100 people were in attendance, including mall security.

In addition, the owners hired caterers, a live band, as well as costume and make-up artists. They also purchased wedding cakes for the ceremony.

Owners apologise after dogs’ wedding receives backlash

Unfortunately, the internet did not take too kindly to the unconventional nuptials, with many pointing out that such an extravagant display was a waste of money and insensitive in a nation with such wealth inequality.

BBC News Indonesia reported that the backlash got so intense that the owners issued an apology on Wednesday (19 July).

“We are very sorry and apologise to all enthusiasts of Javanese culture and the Indonesian people who were upset and hurt by this event,” said Ms Indira.

The Straits Times (ST) noted that the minimum monthly wage in Jakarta is 4.9 million rupiah (S$430) — a tiny fraction of the dogs’ estimated wedding cost.

Last year, the World Bank stated that almost one-tenth of the Indonesian population lives below the poverty line.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from @LadiestoryID on Twitter and @elise_santoso on Instagram.

Sudeshna Dhar

Sudeshna is a lover of all romcoms, especially Gone Girl (2014).

Recent Posts

URL on ‘Wicked’ dolls’ packaging links to porn site, Mattel apologises for misprint

The misprinted boxes are now coveted items on eBay.

13 Nov 2024, 6:30 pm

‘It suits you’: Daughter in Thailand asks for car, dad gets her tuk tuk instead

And she named her new purple ride after a popular Thai rum.

13 Nov 2024, 6:01 pm

2 boys rush out of MRT to return laptop left by alighting passenger, praised for actions

They managed to run back onto the train in time.

13 Nov 2024, 5:29 pm

Croatian scientist treats own breast cancer with viruses she developed in lab, has been cancer-free for 4 years

During the treatment, her tumour substantially shrank and was later removed easily.

13 Nov 2024, 5:16 pm

Boy with autism in M’sia refuses to get his haircut, barber patiently plays with him

The barber played with the autistic boy until he was ready for haircut.

13 Nov 2024, 5:15 pm

Trump appoints Elon Musk as head of new ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ aka DOGE

News outlets express concern about his appointees' lack of experience.

13 Nov 2024, 3:41 pm