The ban on celebrating Valentine's Day as stated in a letter from the Depok City Education Office, West Java, has begun to reap protests from social observers.
The letter states an order to the Depok City Education Office Unit to prohibit children in each Depok City school from celebrating the day of affection. A notification letter regarding the prohibition of participating and celebrating Valentine's Day is stated in the number 421 / 690 / Sekret-2023.
Chairman of the Indonesian City Citizens Forum (FAKTA), Azas Tigor Nainggolan, has different views regarding the day of affection that was banned in Depok City. According to Azas, the issue of the prohibition of celebrating Valentine's Day is a problem stemming from the thought of personal sentiment from several groups.
"The personal thoughts of several groups who view it as a warning of not having morals and against religious values. Obviously this is wrong, because loving and loving each other is the value of human rights of all religions," said Azas Tigor in his statement, Sunday, February 12.
Azas called for all religions not to encourage their followers to hate each other. He also stated that he had contacted the Depok City Secretary regarding the emergence of the Valentine's Day warning ban letter.
Azas said he conveyed to the Depok City Secretary regarding the prohibition letter which went viral on social media.
"This letter is a contradiction to the mission of education for children to be open and respect each other and be friends with each other," he said.
Azas suggested to the Secretary of Depok City that the prohibition letter be revoked. According to Azas, the prohibition in this letter clearly contradicts educational missions.
"So it's not good for children's development. This prohibition letter is conveyed to the public, my advice is the value of public policy. So as not to cause rejection and noise in the public," said Azas.
Azas further said that the prohibition letter issued by the Depok City Education Office was contrary to the values of noble education for children.
"Why does the Depok city government teach children from an early age not to love each other, and prohibit children from loving each other?" he regretted.
Previously, the Depok City Government (Pemkot) through the Depok City Education Office forbade its students to celebrate Valentine's Day (Valentine Day) both outside and at school. Because the local municipal government considers Valentine's Day not in accordance with Indonesian religious, social and cultural norms.
In the letter it was written: Here are the steps taken by the school regarding Valentine's Day: 1. Encourage students not to follow and promote affection (Valentine Day) both inside and outside schools. Supervisory, school principals and teachers carry out monitoring and monitoring of student activities in each education unit. 3. Embedding attitudes and behavior preserving the noble values of Indonesian culture in the school environment. 4. Taking preventive measures and ensuring students do not follow and celebrate the activities in question.
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