Exodus<\/p>\n
With the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan now only a
\nlittle more than a week away, the yearly exodus of millions of
\npeople leaving the capital city for their homes in the provinces
\nis gaining momentum. In the next few days bus and train stations
\nwill be jammed with travelers and roads leading out of Jakarta
\nwill be clogged with vehicles as an unusual temporary quiet
\ndescends upon the city.<\/p>\n
Mudik, as this tradition is popularly known, has been
\nentrenched in our society for as long as can be remembered and
\nneither persuasion nor calls for sobriety have been able to
\nrestrain the exodus. But unlike the relatively small crowds in
\nthe past which were within the carrying capacity of the available
\nroad and transportation facilities, today the numbers have
\nswollen to such immense proportions that managing the annual Idul
\nFitri or Lebaran exodus has become almost an impossible job for
\nthe authorities.<\/p>\n
One reason, of course, is urbanization. Another is that
\nspending the Idul Fitri holidays with friends and family at home
\nis still considered imperative by the vast majority of
\nIndonesians, regardless of the stress the journey involves.
\nFamily and neighborly ties are still valued highly in Indonesian
\nrural society and Idul Fitri offers an appropriate opportunity
\nto renew them. For another, it offers an opportunity to display
\nthe tokens of success and justify living in the big city. Thus
\nfamilies packed with goods jostling to board the train or bus are
\na common sight during the season.<\/p>\n
Much has been said about this particular Indonesian tradition.
\nThe more practical-minded point to the irrationality of the
\neffort, not to mention the considerable expenses involved. Those
\nwho stick by tradition stress the importance of asking for
\nforgiveness for wrongdoings committed during the past year.
\nBesides, the exodus of millions of people from the big cities
\nprovides a mechanism for a fairer distribution of wealth.<\/p>\n
Be that as it may, for the authorities and people responsible
\nfor ensuring the Idul Fitri holiday is a success, the exodus is a
\nheadache every year. For instance, steps must be taken to ensure
\nthat country roads are in good order, that enough buses and train
\nservices are available and that travelers are not duped by
\nscalpers and unscrupulous bus operators.<\/p>\n
And while that may sound like a routine job, in reality
\nensuring the smooth passage of hundreds of thousands of vehicles
\nalong country roads that are not designed to carry the burden is
\na task few people would envy. In the cities, station masters also
\nshoulder a huge responsibility looking after tens of thousands of
\ntravelers on their way home.<\/p>\n
This year, however, the problems may well exceed those of
\nrecent years. Although people are prepared for the journey,
\nforecasts predict heavy rainstorms and flooding in the coming
\nweek along the northern coast of Java, which is the most popular
\nroute for travelers from Jakarta. To make it worse, parts of the
\nroute are reported to be in rather bad condition.<\/p>\n
Under the circumstances it is fortunate -- for both the
\nauthorities and the travelers themselves, particularly children
\n-- that a growing number of Indonesians realize it is better to
\nleave for their villages a few days before or after the big day.
\nObstacles notwithstanding, it is hoped that Lebaran travelers
\nthis year will be able to travel safely to cap off the month-long
\nfasting period with a proper family reunion.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/exodus-1447899208",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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