​Where is the love? Schools in Depok ban Valentine’s Day celebration

 While pretty much the rest of the world celebrate Valentine’s Day, it seems that there are conservatives in Indonesia who do not wish to see the Hallmark holiday celebrated in the country. In Depok, for instance, Valentine’s Day is banned from all public schools in the city.
 
The Depok city administration’s Education Agency officially issued the ban today to all public primary, middle, and high schools in Depok.
 
Head of the Depok Education Agency Herry Pansila said the ban was introduced to prevent immorality in schools, as Valentine’s Day could apparently inspire pre-marital sex among students.
 
“Because of that we forbid all schools to partake in activities related to Valentine’s Day,” Herry told Warta Kota today. 
 
The Depok Education Agency is encouraging schoolchildren to stay true to their more conservative Eastern traditions.
 
“This is an attempt at producing students who are leaders, creative, and religious in the city of Depok. We’re preparing a respectful generation for the future,” Herry said.
 
Given that Valentine’s Day falls on Saturday, we wonder if the ban applies to the students’ private lives outside of school, or if teachers would be working overtime on weekends to make sure their students don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day.