Cities and regions in Indonesia have imposed a ban on Valentine’s Day and warned residents not to take part in any festivities related to the feast day in order to “maintain the purity of Islamic values.
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As businesses and individuals in the city of Banda Aceh were warned, taking part in the worldwide popular holiday would mean “defying Islamic law.”
“To maintain the purity of Islamic values and strengthen Islamic laws, we would like to inform the public that Valentine’s Day goes against Islamic law and is not a part of Aceh’s culture,” Mayor Aminullah Usman expressed.
As the city’s mayor said, he ordered the youth to avoid celebrating the Feast of Saint Valentine which originated in the West.
“Aside from defying Islamic law and Acehnese culture, Valentine’s Day also goes against Aceh’s traditions,” he added in an interview with Antara.
According to the reports, multiple unmarried couples from different regions were arrested on February 14 due to violating the imposed rules by showing affection in public.
Banda Aceh is the capital as well as the largest city of the Aceh Province.point 384 |
The Indonesian province of Aceh is the only region in the country that enforces the infamous Sharia law which is known for encouraging the flogging of individuals who commit crimes, such as adultery, that offend Islamic morality.point 193 | 1
As Valentine’s Day was closing in, the Indonesian province of West Java has issued a similar warning whereas the Bandung Education Agency announced students were prohibited from participating in ‘improper’ activities and celebrations on February 14.point 602 | 1
“Valentine’s Day is not a part of our culture and goes against the religious norms,” Secretary Cucu Saputra said as he urged youths to respect the ban on the holiday that is deemed to be oriented against the culture of the country.
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Replaced!