'I can even save during Ramadhan as I smoke less'
During the holy month of Ramadhan most housewives serve special food for buka puasa or the breaking of the fast meal. This can be more costly than regular food, however, some people say that they actually save during the month as they eat less or cut down on cigarettes. The Jakarta Post talked to some people on their spending during the month.
Munawar, 45, is a taxi driver and the father of two teenagers. He lives in Kembangan Utara subdistrict, West Jakarta:
My wife never asks for more money to buy food during Ramadhan. We usually have kolak (bananas or sweet potato sweetened in coconut milk) or my wife provides other cool sweet drinks to break our fast.
I can even save during Ramadhan as I only smoke three cigarettes per day, compared to more than a pack a day when I'm not fasting.
However, we spend extra money on new clothes for our children. It has always been my priority before Idul Fitri. If I still have money left, I will buy new clothes for my wife and myself.
Lili, 27, works for an international non-governmental organization. She lives with her husband in Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta:
I spend less during Ramadhan compared to the rest of the year. My husband and I only have meals twice a day, sahur (predawn meal) and the breaking of the fast meal. The money we spend on food is significantly reduced and we can save some money to buy other things for the Idul Fitri holiday.
I think it is only big families who spend more during Ramadhan as housewives are tempted to buy a greater variety of food for the breaking of the fast meal. This is how excessive spending arises.
Karman, 28, is a security guard with a private company. He lives in Petamburan, Central Jakarta:
Our budget during Ramadhan is surprisingly bigger than other months because my children always want different food for the breaking of the fast meal. We usually have dates which are only available during Ramadhan.
During Ramadhan I have to spend up to Rp 30,000 each day while on other days it's always less than that.
-- The Jakarta Post