President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the first lady, Ani Yudhoyono, congratulating Yenny Wahid and Dhohir Farisi during their wedding in Ciganjur, South Jakarta. (Photo: Dudi Anung, Rumgapres)

Ten Cow Dowry for Former Indonesian President Gus Dur's Daughter

Yenny Wahid, the daughter of former President Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid, married lawmaker Dhohir Farisi on Thursday and her family received a rather unusual dowry — 10 cows.

The wedding ceremony took place at 2 p.m. at Al Munnawwarah Mosque in Ciganjur, South Jakarta, next to the former president’s house.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla served as witnesses. Flower bouquets lined the front of Gus Dur’s house on Thursday morning, including one from the president and the first lady, Ani Yudhoyono.

The reception was held at Sampoerna Strategic Square in Central Jakarta

Dhohir is a lawmaker from the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra).

The groom’s family explained that the cow was a symbol of welfare, and said the bride’s family took the unusual dowry from their Madurese in-laws in stride.

“Maybe it’s common in Madura,” said Sintha Nuriyah, the mother of the bride.

The wedding ceremony took place under heavy security because of the presence of the president and vice president. About 130 police officers were stationed around the mosque and Gus Dur’s residence.



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