Indonesian police raid hotels for unmarried lovers in Valentine’s Day crackdown

The unlucky couples in Makassar city, on Sulawesi island, were let go after being given a lecture about the evils of premarital sex

Makassar authorities also monitored stores to ensure they were not openly displaying condoms as if they were ‘snacks like chocolate’

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A group of people detained after a raid at a hotel in Makassar on February 13, 2020. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:18pm, 14 Feb 2020Updated: 9:32pm, 14 Feb 2020

Indonesia wasn’t feeling the love for Valentine’s Day on Friday as authorities arrested couples in one city, scolded stores over condom displays and warned students they would be reprimanded for amorous activities.

Makassar on Sulawesi island doled out some tough love with raids at hotels and guest houses Thursday evening which netted about two dozen unmarried offenders, including a German national.

“We caught the German with his Indonesian partner in a motel and they weren’t husband and wife so that’s why we arrested them,” said Iman Hud, head of the local public order office.

The unlucky lovers were quickly released after a lecture about the evils of premarital sex, but five sex workers caught in the dragnet would be sent to a rehabilitation centre, he added.

“These social illnesses must be prevented. We need to remind the public to uphold our culture and ethics,” Hud said.