'Idul Fitri is liberating'

Jakarta traffic has been much lighter over the past few days as many residents have left the capital for their hometowns to celebrate Idul Fitri, which is on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15. Others have chosen to stay in the capital. The Jakarta Post asked some residents what Idul Fitri means to them.

Savic Alielha, 30, is a freelance publisher and lives at Salemba, Central Jakarta:

I will leave for Pati, Central Java, today. I haven't been able to return home for several years due to my hectic work schedule here.

My trip home, in fact, is also partly to seek fresh air, away from the polluted air of the capital. I can find that in my village.

I have taken some work to do at as I think it will be a nice change to do it in a fresh environment.

Denny, 35, works at a travel agency in Sudirman Central Business District in South Jakarta. He lives with his family in Depok:

Actually, I had planned to go to Garut in West Java. Unfortunately, my wife's relatives have come to visit so we have to stay in the capital for a few days to take them around the city.

Perhaps, I will change my schedule and go out of town after the Idul Fitri celebrations.

Ika, 25, is a web editor at the Indonesian Red Cross office in South Jakarta. She lives with her husband in Mampang, South Jakarta:

For me, Idul Fitri is important as it marks the time when we feel liberated, after 30 days of fasting and contemplating.

After 11 months of busy activities, I have spent 30 days concentrating on spiritual matters.

I have been pondering about becoming a new person next year. I developed an optimistic outlook during Ramadhan.

I have promised myself that in the following months I will try to do my best in whatever I do. I will dedicate my work not only to self pleasure, but also to God. -- The Jakarta Post