10-5-2024 (JAKARTA) In a startling turn of events, a recent marriage in Indonesia has grabbed attention after it was revealed that the bride, who was believed to be a woman, was, in fact, a man in disguise. The groom, identified by his initials AK, discovered this shocking truth merely 12 days into their marriage.
According to a report by DetikJabar, the individual in question, known by the initials ESH, had assumed the identity of a woman named Adinda Kanza Azzahra to enter into matrimony with the 26-year-old AK. The couple tied the knot in a modest ceremony on 12th April 2024, held at AK’s residence, without formal registration.
The intricate deception orchestrated by ESH began prior to their marriage. AK and ESH initially connected through social media in 2023 and struck up conversations that gradually deepened their bond. ESH, presenting themselves as Adinda Kanza Azzahra from Cidaun, Cianjur, gained AK’s affection, leading to a proposal and subsequent marriage.
ESH went to great lengths to maintain their facade, donning a hijab and even a veil to conceal their true identity during their encounters with AK. Despite suspicions arising within AK’s family due to ESH’s reluctance to engage socially and intimately, the deception persisted.
However, the elaborate ruse eventually unraveled when AK’s family decided to delve into ESH’s background. Their investigation led them to ESH’s familial home, where the truth was disclosed by ESH’s father – that ESH was indeed a man.
Subsequently, ESH admitted to their deceitful intentions, confessing to seeking financial gain from AK. As a result, ESH now faces legal ramifications under Article 378 of the Criminal Code, with a potential sentence of four years’ imprisonment.
The incident has prompted reflection on the necessity of official marriage procedures. Ajah Suryana, the Head of the Naringgul District’s Religious Affairs Office (KUA), emphasized the importance of registering marriages with authorities. Had AK and ESH followed proper protocols, authorities could have verified their identities, potentially preventing such a deceitful union.
Suryana highlighted the significance of official documentation in confirming vital details like gender, underscoring the role of authorities in ensuring the legitimacy and authenticity of marital unions.
