VALENTINE'S DAY, THE MOST UNIQUE AND CONTROVERSIAL CELEBRATION IN INDONESIA

Month of February has been running and almost into the 14th. A big celebration will sweep the world, including Indonesia, which is the largest Muslim country in the world.  Valentine's Day or in Indonesian known as “Hari Kasih Sayang” begins to be welcomed by the people of Indonesia, even though this celebration is still long controversial in the society.

picture by: www.rohmangenius.blogspot.com

On the one hand, many Muslims in Indonesia, especially The Old, are against the celebration of Valentine's Day due to the history of Valentine itself that is to tend to remember and put unusual honor to a man. In view of the Old People, especially Muslims, honor, or even excessive worship of man, even to the Prophet Muhammad is not allowed in Islam. Meanwhile, on the other hand, The Young (younger people) assume that Valentine's Day is only a habit of sharing love and care, regardless of the history of Valentine itself.

Although to controversy is given back each respective beliefs and intentions, Valentine's Day is still adorned the Indonesian culture. The fact that now in Indonesia, department stores begin providing red flowers, greeting cards with picture of the god of love in ancient Roman belief, the hotels and restaurants provide valentine packages, radio and television broadcast highly structured to enliven valentine's day which falls on February 14.

source of picture: www.fuui.wordpress.com

Uniquely, the majority of Muslims in Indonesia are still celebrating Valentine's Day by exchanging cards, giving roses, exchanging love letters, and contributing or just attending the Valentine's Day events with the reasons as follows:

• The Youth who support Valentine explains that they just take the opportunity to seek faithful mates.

• Adult and married people who support Valentine argue that Valentine's Day is an opportunity to maintain the family to express love.

• Everyone who has partner in work assume Valentine as a good moment to strengthen relationship with colleagues.