Indonesian city bans students from celebrating Valentine’s Day

Couples enjoy a romantic vista in East Jakarta on Feb. 13, 2012. Students in Kediri in East Java have been banned from celebrating Valentine’s Day in any form as the romantic celebration of love is considered by some in the city to be antithetical to Indonesia’s culture and morality. JAKARTA POST

JAKARTA, Indonesia –Students in Kediri in East Java have been banned from celebrating Valentine’s Day in any form as the romantic celebration of love is considered by some in the city to be antithetical to Indonesia’s culture and morality.

Kediri Education Agency head Siswanto said the leaders of the city’s elementary, junior and senior high schools had gathered to discuss the matter and an official letter had been sent out to ensure that no event would be conducted celebrating the occasion in any form.

“Valentine’s Day is not in line with Indonesia’s culture and morality,” said Siswanto as quoted by Antara news agency on Thursday.

The Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) will increase patrols at popular hangout spots often visited by young people, including boarding houses and hotels.

Besides Kediri, Banda Aceh in Aceh has also banned students from celebrating Valentine’s Day. The occasion is deemed haram, or forbidden, because it is not in line with the teachings and values of Islam.

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