Love not in the air in Pekanbaru on Valentine’s Day

Night moves: Love birds enjoy the evening on the Pasar Rebo overpass in East Jakarta on Monday. The spot is favored by those who might not be able to afford to buy flowers or chocolates on Valentine's Day. The lights of the city and the charm of the night, however, remain free for all. (JP/P.J. Leo)The Pekanbaru city administration has banned the celebration of Valentine’s Day among students through a circular issued by the education office on Monday.

"We issued the circular to all schools in the city informing the ban on Valentine's Day celebrations,” Pekanbaru Education Agency head Yuzamri Yakub said.

This was the first time that the administration has banned the celebration.

Yuzamri said that the ban was intended to inform students that love should be expressed at all times, not just on a single day.

The circular has been distributed to teachers and students from junior high schools to universities, he said.

"The ban is also meant to prevent extra-marital sex among young people as Valentine’s day is identical to all other things that deviate from religious norms," he said. (dmr)