'I want to show them my achievements'

'I want to show them my achievements'

The capital is usually quiet during the Idul Fitri holidays as
millions of people join the exodus to celebrate the holiday in
their hometowns. The Jakarta Post talked to residents about their
plans for this year.

Rojak, 37, is a civil servant working at city police
headquarters. He lives with his wife and children in Ciputat,
South Jakarta:

At last, we decided that we would not go back to our hometown
of Magetan, East Java, this year as we could not afford the cost.

We have just spent half of our savings on school fees for our
three children and buying them new clothes and shoes for Idul
Fitri.

We don't want to spend all of our savings as we are afraid the
situation will become even more difficult in the wake of the fuel
price hikes. Who knows, after Idul Fitri the prices of every
thing could increase even more.

I have called my parents to apologize that we can't come this
year. We hope that next year things will be better, and we can
save enough for the trip home.

Nina Angraeni, 29, is a manager with a public relations firm
in Jakarta. She lives in her rented house in Kebayoran Baru,
South Jakarta:

I must go back to Bandung this Idul Fitri because, even though
it's not far from Jakarta, I only get the chance to go back to
see all my relatives during Idul Fitri. Getting together during
Idul Fitri is a ritual for big families like our's.

Besides, I'm the eldest in the family. I have seven younger
sisters and brothers. It is like setting a good example for them,
you know. I feel that nothing can replace us all getting together
at home.

Also, I can show other people in my neighborhood that I have
achieved something over the past year.

-- The Jakarta Post