The Idul Fitri impact<\/p>\n
Several provincial officials have made an interesting point
\nabout the perennial flight of Jakartans from the capital around
\nthe time of Idul Fitri, when millions will journey back to their
\nhome towns in the provinces.<\/p>\n
Soetjipto, a regent in Tegal, Central Java, said last week
\nthat owners of roadside eating stalls in Jakarta and other major
\ncities in West Java are expected to take more than Rp 3 billion
\n(US$1.3 million) back to their villages during the holidays.
\nHarsadiningrat, a regent in Gunungkidul near Yogyakarta, has put
\nthe figure closer to Rp 10 billion.<\/p>\n
Both have suggested that people and officials in the regions
\nuse these funds to help support the government's efforts to
\neradicate poverty in rural areas.<\/p>\n
Soetjipto, who is also the government's chief administrator
\nfor the regency, suggested a friendly get-together between
\nofficials, local leading citizens and former members of the
\ncommunity who have come home for the holidays. Together, he said,
\nthey could renew contacts and persuade those who now live and
\nwork in Jakarta to help the poor in their former home villages.<\/p>\n
In Gunungkidul, Harsadiningrat has instructed district heads
\nto arrange a proper homecoming, from clean streets and yards to
\nflying banners. He made no bones about his intent to make sure
\nthat the holidaymakers from Jakarta would feel at home and spend
\nas much money as possible while in town.<\/p>\n
There can be no question about the economic impact of the Idul
\nFitri exodus on the rural areas. Apart from the billions of
\nrupiah spent, radios, television sets, clothing and thousands of
\nother goods will be given as presents to family and friends.<\/p>\n
Shops, restaurants and hotels as well as operators of buses
\nand other means of transportation also reap great economic
\nbenefits from the tradition.<\/p>\n
The mudik tradition of making the yearly trip home is likely
\nto stay with us for a while, despite the hardships the travelers
\nendure due to inadequate transport facilities and infrastructure.<\/p>\n
Much criticism has been leveled at the tradition, which many
\nconsider \"irrational\" and \"old-fashioned\". For those still making
\nthe trip, however, the maintenance of old ties is important
\nenough to brave the inconveniences.<\/p>\n
Few have bothered to examine the economic aspects of the
\ntradition, except those in the provinces who have grown
\naccustomed to the yearly inflow. In any case, as long as the
\nmudik tradition is with us, the rational thing to do is maximize
\nits positive effects while working to correct the negative.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-idul-fitri-impact-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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