A safe journey home

A safe journey home

Every year, before the holy moth of Ramadhan comes to an end,
millions of Jakarta residents begin packing their bags to make
the annual pilgrimage to their native towns and villages
to share the joy of Idul Fitri, or Lebaran with their closest
friends and family.

Unlike Idul Fitri, which is celebrated by Muslims all over the
world, mudik is an age-old Indonesian tradition. Millions of
Indonesians -- both in Jakarta and in other provinces -- uphold
this tradition. Hence the recurring sight of throngs of people
jostling and pushing against each other in an effort to get to
sales counters to buy tickets home before they are sold out.

However, this traditional annual exodus from the urban centers
back to remote towns and villages of one's birth is not without
controversy. While traditionalists insist that going home to pay
one's respects to parents or close kin is a must, some tend to
see it as a waste of time, money and energy when a letter or a
simple phone call would suffice.

True, the mudik tradition puts a heavy strain on the country's
inadequate public facilities and transportation means and tests
the managerial skills of those responsible for the safety of
passengers returning home. In short, the tradition is one
contemporary Indonesia could do without, so say these
"modernists".

Others more appreciative of convention, on the other hand,
tend to be more understanding and defend the tradition as a
means, whether so intended or not, to achieve a more equitable
distribution of wealth. Not to mention renewing ties with old
friends and kin.

Whatever the case may be and on whichever side of the debate
one may stand, it is clear that the mudik tradition will be with
us for a long time to come. Rather than engage in useless debate
about the merits or demerits of this time-honored tradition, it
would be far more helpful if all those responsible for the safe
journey of the millions traveling made all the necessary
preparations to ensure that all goes well.

One reminder, though, seems appropriate. The recent bombings
and threats of violence that have occurred in several places in
the country must serve as a warning for everybody -- the security
officials assigned to look after the travelers' safety most of
all -- to be on constant guard and keep a watchful eye on any
unusual goings-on they may observe.

Spoilsports must not be allowed to ruin the mood of joy and
brotherhood that Lebaran and mudik bring.

We would like to wish all those fortunate enough to take part
in this year's mudik a safe journey home -- and back.