In Indonesia, authorities clamp down on Valentine’s Day celebrators

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

Valentine’s Day is controversial in parts of the majority Muslim nation, with many Islamic clerics and conservative Indonesians criticising its Western roots and what they say is its promotion of pre-marital sex.

Still, many others practise a moderate form of Islam and celebrate the day with chocolates and flowers for their loved ones, and displays were set up at malls and cafés in the capital Jakarta.

Back in Makassar, however, authorities were checking to see if shops had complied with an earlier warning not to sell condoms openly and check identification cards to make sure buyers weren’t underaged.

“Condoms are for married adults,” public order chief Hud said.

“They’re not supposed to be displayed and sold openly, particularly near snacks for kids like chocolate.”

Makassar’s acting mayor Muhammad Iqbal Samad Suhae insisted the measures were necessary to prevent his city from being paralysed by rampant sex and drug use.

“Festivities like Valentine’s Day usually attract youth.”