'I never miss an Idul Fitri celebration in my hometown'

Every year, millions of residents of Jakarta struggle to reach their hometowns to celebrate Idul Fitri. They brave long lines to secure a ticket for a train, ship or bus just so they can go home, a goal they have been working toward for the whole year. The Jakarta Post spoke with some people about this tradition.

Hardi, 35, sells fried tofu on the street. He lives in a tofu factory in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta. His wife and three-year-old son live in Cirebon, West Java:

I have to go back home to Cirebon to celebrate Idul Fitri, the only day of the year when my whole family gets together. I never miss an Idul Fitri celebration in my hometown, where I can be with my parents and relatives.

I usually leave Jakarta on the eve of Idul Fitri because it is easier to get public transportation then. I come back after 15 days or so.

Santoso, 40, is a bus driver. He lives with his wife and two children in a rented house in Ciputat. His hometown is Tegal, Central Java:

Why go home for the holiday? Why ask me? Is it a problem if people want to go home for Idul Fitri? Don't you want to go home?

Yes, my family and I always go back to Tegal for the holiday. Fortunately, my wife's village is next to mine so we can save some money, although we still need a lot of money to buy new clothes for the children and for my relatives back home.

But the extra money is not a problem because it is a special day and only happens once a year.

Mustofa, 41, is a trader in Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta. He lives with his wife and three children in Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta. His hometown is Jombang, East Java:

I don't have to go back home every year if I can't afford to take the whole family. I think my parents and relatives in Jombang will understand why I won't be home this year. But I'll send my parents a letter and some money.

-- The Jakarta Post