In a story that underscores the importance of transparency in relationships, an Indonesian man was stunned to learn that his new bride was, in fact, a man, just twelve days after their wedding. The revelation has not only shaken the groom but has also sparked a wider discussion about trust and deception in modern relationships.
The groom, a 26-year-old known only as AK, met his supposed bride, Adinda Kanza, also 26, on Instagram in 2023. The couple’s courtship, which lasted a year, was marked by traditional values and religious devotion. Adinda, who always wore a full-face niqab, presented herself as a devout Muslim woman, a sign of her commitment to her faith that AK found admirable.
Believing he had found a pious partner, AK and Adinda decided to marry in a modest ceremony at AK’s home. Adinda claimed she had no surviving family, which AK accepted without question. However, post-wedding, Adinda’s behavior began to raise red flags. She consistently avoided intimacy, citing menstruation and illness as reasons, which further fueled AK’s suspicions.
AK’s unease grew as Adinda continued to wear her niqab at home and avoided interacting with his family. Driven by doubt and concern, AK decided to investigate further. He tracked down the address Adinda had previously mentioned and discovered a shocking truth: Adinda’s parents were alive and well, and his new bride was actually a man named ESH, who had begun cross-dressing in 2020.
ESH’s parents were unaware of their son’s relationship and were equally shocked to learn about the marriage. They revealed that ESH had adopted a female persona, complete with a convincing female voice and demeanor, which had successfully deceived AK and his family. “If you look at their wedding photos, Adinda looks exactly like a real woman. He also has a gentle voice and tone, so there was no suspicion at all about him being a man,” they remarked.
The deception was not just a matter of personal betrayal but also criminal intent. ESH was arrested and confessed to the police that his goal was to marry AK and subsequently steal his family’s assets. Local media reports indicate that ESH has a history of pretending to be a woman to date men and has also dated women in the past. He now faces fraud charges that could lead to a four-year prison sentence.
This case highlights the critical importance of trust and due diligence in relationships, especially in an age where digital interactions often replace traditional courtship rituals. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for vigilance in online relationships and the potential for deception when partners are not who they claim to be.
As the investigation continues, AK and his family are left to grapple with the emotional fallout of this extraordinary betrayal. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of deception and the lengths some individuals will go to for personal gain.
