A safe journey home<\/p>\n
Every year, before the holy moth of Ramadhan comes to an end,
\nmillions of Jakarta residents begin packing their bags to make
\nthe annual pilgrimage to their native towns and villages
\nto share the joy of Idul Fitri, or Lebaran with their closest
\nfriends and family.<\/p>\n
Unlike Idul Fitri, which is celebrated by Muslims all over the
\nworld, mudik is an age-old Indonesian tradition. Millions of
\nIndonesians -- both in Jakarta and in other provinces -- uphold
\nthis tradition. Hence the recurring sight of throngs of people
\njostling and pushing against each other in an effort to get to
\nsales counters to buy tickets home before they are sold out.<\/p>\n
However, this traditional annual exodus from the urban centers
\nback to remote towns and villages of one's birth is not without
\ncontroversy. While traditionalists insist that going home to pay
\none's respects to parents or close kin is a must, some tend to
\nsee it as a waste of time, money and energy when a letter or a
\nsimple phone call would suffice.<\/p>\n
True, the mudik tradition puts a heavy strain on the country's
\ninadequate public facilities and transportation means and tests
\nthe managerial skills of those responsible for the safety of
\npassengers returning home. In short, the tradition is one
\ncontemporary Indonesia could do without, so say these
\n\"modernists\".<\/p>\n
Others more appreciative of convention, on the other hand,
\ntend to be more understanding and defend the tradition as a
\nmeans, whether so intended or not, to achieve a more equitable
\ndistribution of wealth. Not to mention renewing ties with old
\nfriends and kin.<\/p>\n
Whatever the case may be and on whichever side of the debate
\none may stand, it is clear that the mudik tradition will be with
\nus for a long time to come. Rather than engage in useless debate
\nabout the merits or demerits of this time-honored tradition, it
\nwould be far more helpful if all those responsible for the safe
\njourney of the millions traveling made all the necessary
\npreparations to ensure that all goes well.<\/p>\n
One reminder, though, seems appropriate. The recent bombings
\nand threats of violence that have occurred in several places in
\nthe country must serve as a warning for everybody -- the security
\nofficials assigned to look after the travelers' safety most of
\nall -- to be on constant guard and keep a watchful eye on any
\nunusual goings-on they may observe.<\/p>\n
Spoilsports must not be allowed to ruin the mood of joy and
\nbrotherhood that Lebaran and mudik bring.<\/p>\n
We would like to wish all those fortunate enough to take part
\nin this year's mudik a safe journey home -- and back.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/a-safe-journey-home-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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