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.