While many people across Indonesia will celebrate Valentine’s Day, there’s no love lost for this holiday in many parts of the country. As a matter of fact, it has even been banned in the city of Banda Aceh as the mayor declared it violates Islamic law. There will be no chocolates or flowers given in this city in north Sumatra, as police will be patrolling the streets to ensure the ban is upheld. Protests have also occurred in several other cities in recent years against the holiday. That being said, plenty of lovebirds will still celebrate Valentine’s Day in Indonesia.

Indonesian Vocabulary

Image by maf04 from flickr.com.

To start, let’s learn some vocabulary related to Valentine’s Day in Indonesian. Here are 20 words/phrases:

• Hari Kasih Sayang = Valentine’s Day

• Dewa Asmara = Cupid

• asmara = romance

• pecinta/kekasih = lover

• cinta = love

• Aku cinta kamu. = I love you.

• sayang = sweetheart

• pacar = boyfriend/girlfriend

• tunangan = fiancé

• suami = husband

• istri = wife

• cium = kiss

• pelukan = hug

• kencan = date

• cokelat = chocolate

• permen = candy

• mawar = rose

• boneka beruang = teddy bear

• Aku ingin bersama kamu. = I want to be with you.

• Apakah kamu mau menikah denganku? = Will you marry me?

An Indonesian Love Song

What better way to get excited for Valentine’s Day than with a love song? The song “Widuri” is an oldie but goodie. It was written by Bob Tutupoly in 1977 and was the theme song for the movie Widuri, Kekasih Ku (Widuri, My Love). Listen to the song and sing along, karaoke style!

Di suatu senja di musim yang lalu
Ketika itu hujan rintik
Terpukau aku menatap wajahmu
Di remang cahaya sinar pelangi

Lalu engkau tersenyum
Ku menyesali diri
Tak tahu apakah arti senyummu

Dengan mengusap titik airmata
Engkau bisikkan deritamu
Tersentuh hati dalam keharuan
Setelah tahu apa yang terjadi

Sekian lamanya engkau
Hidup seorang diri
Ku ingin membalut luka hatimu

Widuri, Elok bagai rembulan oh sayang
Widuri, Indah bagai lukisan oh sayang
Widuri, Bukalah pintu hati untuk ku
Widuri, Ku akan menyayangi

Sekian lamanya engkau
Hidup seorang diri
Ku ingin membalut luka hatimu

Widuri, Elok bagai rembulan oh sayang
Widuri, Indah bagai lukisan oh sayang
Widuri, Bukalah pintu hati untuk ku
Widuri, Ku akan menyayangi

Now you’re all set for Valentine’s Day in Indonesia… well, at least some of Indonesia!