21-7-2023 (JAKARTA) Two Indonesian women have apologised after a lavish “wedding” for their dogs sparked outrage in a country where wealth distribution remains one of the most unequal in the world. The two Alaskan Malamutes were wedded at a mall in Jakarta, donning traditional Javanese costumes alongside their owners and relatives at a fake ceremony reportedly costing 200 million rupiah ($13,000).
Images of the wolf-like dogs taking each other’s paws in marriage at the extravagant event went viral, sparking a social media uproar and forcing the owners into a contrite news conference. “We regret it very much, and we would like to apologise for the Javanese culture enthusiasts and all Indonesians who were uncomfortable and hurt by the event,” said Indira Ratnasari, owner of female dog Luna, at the conference.
Indira Ratnasari stafsus @jokowi yg gelar pernikahan anjing Rp 200 jt minta ma’af…..???? pic.twitter.com/5iObWQJCUZ
— ¥@N’$ (@yaniarsim) July 19, 2023
The ostentatious display of wealth in Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous country, is often criticised for its widening income gap. The minimum monthly wage in Jakarta is 4.9 million rupiah, and the World Bank stated in 2022 that nearly one-tenth of Indonesia’s 270 million people still live below the poverty line.
Ms Ratnasari is reportedly on the payroll of the Indonesian presidential office. In a March speech, Indonesian President Joko Widodo told public officials not to flaunt their extravagant lifestyles in “improper” ways, including social media posts.
The other dog owner, Valentine Cahandra, claimed that the wedding took place to promote Javanese culture, but angry Indonesians took to social media to condemn the canine nuptials. Many criticised the event as a waste of money and accused the owners of defying God and showing off. Some social media users suggested that the money spent on the wedding could have been better used to help people in need.
The Indonesian government has been working to address the country’s income inequality and poverty issues. However, events like the dog wedding serve as a reminder that wealth disparity remains a significant problem, and actions that flaunt excessive wealth can be met with public backlash.
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