Photo: goodreads.com
Toge Aprilianto, psychologist and author of 2010’s Saatnya Aku Belajar Pacaran (It’s time I learn about dating), recently apologized for writing the book, which many in Indonesia have condemned for being against the country’s religious and cultural values.
Despite being four years old, critics of the book, including Islamic conservative media outlet Republika, have apparently only recently learned about it and began condemning it for promoting pre-marital sex among teenagers. They are also calling for the book to be pulled from publication.
“If the book is read by teenagers these days then they might assume that zina (pre-marital sex) is a normal thing,” said Republika General Managing Editor Syahruddin on Tuesday.
Toge Aprilianto quickly apologized for the contents of his book on Facebook in the midst of mounting criticism.
“With this, I, Toge Aprilianto, apologize with all of my heart to the people of Indonesia for my mistake in writing the book Saatnya Aku Belajar Pacaran, in which some of the contents went against religious teachings,” Toge wrote on his Facebook page, as picked up by Merdeka yesterday.
“I’m prepared to return the money to those who bought the book. Those who want to return the book can return it to me.”
So how controversial is this book exactly? Well, reading the translated excerpt below, it’s understandable that it wasn’t well received by the more conservative citizens of Indonesia:
Truthfully, it’s normal for your date to ask to ML (Make Love). It’s normal if you ask your date to ML. Those things are natural. So, it’s just a sign that you and/or your date still have the energy to be involved in the reproductive process, which is natural among living beings.
So, if your date asks to ML, you could go along with their wishes, should you be ready. That means you want to do it and you’re ready to face the consequences. It’s better that you stay away from it if your mind and feelings aren’t in the right place.
