Sex before marriage? Some say yes, others no

Sex before marriage? Some say yes, others no

JAKARTA (JP): Sex is always a sensitive but interesting topic
to talk about, especially when premarital sex is the topic.

For the last couple of years, the number of abortions among
unmarried women, specifically teenage girls, has increased,
according to surveys by a number of magazines in Jakarta.

This seems to shows that sex before marriage has become less
of a taboo and more acceptable.

To seek the validity of the above conclusion, The Jakarta Post
interviewed parents, teachers and young people on the subject.
The following are excerpts from these interviews:

Susan (not her real name), a fourth semester psychology
student of University of Indonesia: Most of the teenagers I know
who have practiced premarital sex usually think that they
understand the consequences and the responsibilities attached to
it, but if they actually do understand, they would not have had
sex.

P.S. Dartin, 50, a security guard: When a person reaches the
age of 21, I think it is their own business to do whatever they
want, including having premarital sex. I do not mind if my
children do it after they reach that age because if I try to tell
them not to, they would do it anyway and things would be out of
control.

E.F. Subakin H.P., 55, a security guard: I do not even allow
my children to date before they finish their studies. I think
premarital sex is a shameful, risky practice. Although these
days, with the help of technology there are more ways to prevent
pregnancy, the law of God is stronger, and it is a very sinful
thing to do.

David Bounty James Franz, student of the Sam Ratulangi
University, Manado: I don't think premarital sex is a good idea
because, for me, making love is a very special thing. However, if
a couple agrees to do it based on the visualization of their love
and togetherness, not for a couple of minutes of fun, or just a
tryout, I would think it's all right as long as they can take the
responsibility. However, involvement in activities other than sex
can be more enjoyable and by doing this young people can avoid
premarital sex.

Father Ignatius Hartono, 27, moderator of the Gonzaga high
school in South Jakarta: Premarital sex? If the reason behind the
act is the inability to resist desire, I can say that we are no
different from lower creatures, such as animals. According to the
Catholic church, the objectives for having intercourse are to
reproduce and to preserve all God's creations. Although, lately,
premarital sex has become more accepted in society, I think it
abuses social values and norms. If society becomes permissive
about this, social values and norms will loosen and end up
snapping right off. If this happens, the order of society will
become absurd.

Agung, 16, 2nd-grade student of the Gonzaga high school:
I think premarital sex is wrong. Can you imagine if an "accident"
happened, and the girl gets pregnant? Both the boy and the girl
would have to drop out of school. That would be very bad for
their future. Anyway, sex before marriage is wrong according to
every religion.

Bondan, 3rd-grade student of the Al-Azhar high school: I think
premarital sex has become common practice. This has probably
happened because our culture has changed. Personally, I do not
agree with that. I think it is a sign that we are getting closer
to the end of the world, because it has deviated from religion
too far. However, for people who have had sex, that's fine with
me. (24)