'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