Police Arrest Couple Behind Marwah Wedding Organiser Suspected of Defrauding Brides and Grooms

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The East Jakarta Metropolitan Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit has arrested a married couple who own a wedding organiser (WO) in East Jakarta suspected of defrauding multiple brides and grooms. Both have been formally named suspects and are being held for further legal proceedings.

Police Chief Alfian Nurrizal of East Jakarta Metropolitan Police said on Sunday (31 May 2026): ‘The Marwah WO owners suspected of fraud against brides and grooms have been detained since Saturday (30 May). The suspects, identified as RM (husband) and ER (wife).’

Alfian explained that the arrests followed multiple reports from victims who felt cheated due to unfulfilled wedding services.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly received payments from brides and grooms for wedding services but failed to fulfil contractual obligations after receiving the funds.

‘After receiving payments from victims, the suspects did not fulfil their contractual duties and became untraceable, leading to numerous complaints,’ Alfian said.

The case came to light after several brides and grooms reported difficulty contacting Marwah WO ahead of their wedding dates. The situation caused panic as most event requirements had been entrusted to the organiser.

Police conducted investigations by interviewing victims and witnesses, and gathering evidence. Investigators found sufficient evidence to formally charge RM and ER as suspects.

In addition to arresting the WO owners, police are still investigating other aspects of the case, including possible unreported victims. Investigators are also tracing the suspects’ activities during their period of unavailability to victims.

Regarding claims that the couple attempted to flee before arrest, Alfian stated this is still under investigation.