As the saying goes, it's the money that counts

JAKARTA (JP): Next time you're invited to a wedding party, don't bring a present. Its "un-Indonesian," according to an aide to a cabinet minister.

Give the money you would have spent on the present instead, said Muhd. Muhtadi, an aide to State Minister of State Administrative Reform.

"Bringing present for any occasion is an alien tradition. The Indonesian tradition is to give money," Muhtadi was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

Besides, it's a big waste because very often people bring unwanted presents which end up piling up and collecting dust, or being passed on to others for presents.

Money, in turn, will be much more appreciated, he said.

For many people, throwing a wedding party is a costly but often unavoidable obligation in Indonesia and some have to go into debt. Giving them presents will not reduce their debts, but money will, Muhtadi said.

Besides, it is more practical to give money as you don't need to wrap it, he added. And it's portable.

He noted that Japanese have kept to the tradition of giving money instead of presents in spite of the onslaught of modern culture from the West.

Muhtadi's boss, Minister T.B. Silalahi, last year also suggested that people stop sending expensive congratulatory bouquets of flowers because it is a huge waste of money. His suggestion was quickly criticized by flower growers and traders. (emb)