As the annual celebration of love, Valentine’s Day, approaches on February 14, not everyone is in the mood for festivities.
In Indonesia, the observance of Valentine’s Day has always sparked debate. Some choose to disregard what they consider to be a primarily Western tradition, while others vocally advocate for a complete boycott of the celebrations.
Originally known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, the tradition traces back to the Christian feast day commemorating the martyr Valentine. Several historical figures named Valentine, including Valentine of Rome, a priest martyred in 269, and Valentine of Terni, a Roman bishop martyred in 273, have been associated with the day.
The Feast of Saint Valentine was celebrated on February 14 starting in the 8th century. By the 14th and 15th centuries, the day began to morph into a celebration of romantic love. The customs of exchanging gifts and cards and indulging in sweet treats became popular in the United Kingdom in the 18th century.
Given its roots, it’s not surprising that Valentine’s Day does not resonate in many regions of the world. These are places where martyred priests and Cupid, the Roman mythological god of love and desire, lack significant historical relevance.
However, the resistance to Valentine’s Day runs deeper in countries like Indonesia. Here, annual debates arise about the day’s intent and motivations.
In 2020, the city of Bekasi in West Java banned the celebration in school areas, as did the Bangka Belitung Islands, citing potential harm to students’ character.
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the country’s largest Muslim clerical body that issues statements on Islamic law, warns Muslims not to participate in the holiday each year. In 2018, the then-head of the MUI, Ma’ruf Amin, stated Valentine’s Day should be banned in Indonesia as it would “cause a fuss and destroy norms and morality.”
Regardless of the public opposition, many businesses across Indonesia continue celebrating Valentine’s Day. Shops, restaurants, and malls decorate their spaces with red and pink, while bakeries and cafes offer heart-shaped sweets and themed beverages.
A significant concern with Valentine’s Day, besides its European and Christian origins, is the potential for it to encourage physical expressions of love. In 2017, officials in Indonesia raided minimarkets in cities like Makassar in Sulawesi and confiscated condoms to prevent premarital sex on Valentine’s Day.
Other countries share Indonesia’s mixed feelings towards Valentine’s Day. Some do not celebrate it due to cultural norms, while others perceive it as a threat to moral values.
Regions like Islamabad in Pakistan and Iran have also banned the celebration. Saudi Arabia had forbidden the sales of Valentine’s Day merchandise like red hearts and balloons, although this has eased in recent years.
In Malaysia, annual campaigns to halt Valentine’s Day have gained momentum. The country’s Department of Islamic Development launched a campaign named “Mind the Valentine’s Day Trap,” warning it encouraged “vice activities.”
Despite the public sentiment, Indonesia held its presidential election on February 14 last year. Polling booths were adorned with pink and red balloons, and voters were treated to heart-shaped chocolates and candy.
This year, with no election or national event scheduled, the debate around Valentine’s Day may again take center stage. Will there be nationwide raids as in previous years, or will Indonesia embrace a more accepting stance? Only time will tell.
