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

'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