'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