'Extended holiday disrupts all public services'

'Extended holiday disrupts all public services'

The government has ordered a long Idul Fitri holiday, which means
state administration and public service offices will be closed
until Dec. 1. Though many private companies are following the
government policy, some employees still find themselves having to
work during the holiday. The Jakarta Post spoke with several
people about this issue.

Tubari, 53, has worked at a Jakarta communications agency
since 1979. He is from Pacitan, East Java:

The long holiday? The civil servants always get the best of
it. I have to keep my eyes open and watch the railroad all day,
while they can go anywhere they like for the holidays. I cannot
even go back home to my wife in Pacitan. It's not fair.

The holiday should only be three or four days. That's enough.
Any longer than that can cause problems.

For example, because the banks are closed I can only get my
salary for this month on Dec. 1, instead of the 29th.

Eko Novono Tavip, 39, works at the Pejompongan tollgate in
Central Jakarta. He lives in Pancoran, South Jakarta:

For us, the long holiday is a good thing. Many people have
left town so there is less traffic in the city, which lightens
our load.

But I think the official holiday is way too long, especially
when I have to go to the bank.

Ali Muchsin, 42, works for a non-governmental organization
dealing with the protection of migrant workers. He lives in
Cililitan, East Jakarta, with his wife and three children:

The extended Idul Fitri holiday may cause disruptions in
public services, but it will have a positive impact on the
country's economy. Longer holidays mean more people from Jakarta
with thick wallets will spend more on accommodation, meals and
goods sold at traditional markets during their stays in their
hometowns or at resort areas. It brings an enormous multiplier
effect to local economies.

Longer holidays also mean that those people going to their
hometowns will have more time to share their joy and happiness
with relatives and friends, before they have to wallow again in
the harsh life of Jakarta.

--The Jakarta Post