'I always hope for a raise each year'

As Idul Fitri approaches, many workers have begun to wonder about their holiday bonuses. The Jakarta Post asked some residents what they were going to do with the extra money.

Marsudi, 30, is a security guard at a shopping mall in Blok M, South Jakarta. He lives with his wife and son in Bekasi:

Actually, I'm not sure if I have received my holiday bonus yet, because we usually receive it a week or so before Idul Fitri.

It's usually not much, about Rp 250,000 (US$27.17), but I guess it's enough. At least we still get a bonus, although I always hope for a raise each year.

I will not be using the money to go back to my hometown to celebrate the holiday, because all of my family is already in Bekasi.

As usual, I plan to use the money to buy my parents and in- laws prayer mats and clothes.

Nur Suhodo, 42, is a civil servant. He lives in Cipayung subdistrict, East Jakarta. He is currently pursuing a master's degree at a private university in South Jakarta:

I received my Idul Fitri bonus several days ago. However, I will not be enjoying it because I loaned the money to someone who needed it more than me.

Still, I'm happy the money can be useful.

I can still afford with my salary to buy new clothes for my children in Yogyakarta and to give some pocket money to relatives.

I myself have to pay Idul Fitri bonuses to a number of employees who run our family's repair shops and cell phone kiosks in Yogyakarta.

--The Jakarta Post