'Idul Fitri means new hope'

Muslims worldwide will celebrate Idul Fitri on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 after one month of fasting. It is a contemplative time when people seek forgiveness from their family, friends and colleagues. The Jakarta Post asked some residents what Idul Fitri means to them.

Imron, 26, is a busker. He lives in Pancoran, South Jakarta:

This year, Idul Fitri means new hope for me. Just recently I got a job as a kiosk attendant. I don't have to spend night and day on buses to get enough money for a proper meal. Now I have a steady income per week which I can save. Hopefully, next year I will have better life.

Tri Hutomo, 38, is a taxi driver. He lives in Depok:

Idul Fitri is the day for Muslims to celebrate moral victory from restraining ourselves from anger and dissatisfaction -- no matter how cranky we were during the fasting month. Ramadhan teaches us to be patient, forgiveness, and to be closer to God. And Idul Fitri is a good example that we should stay that way the whole year, not only for 30 days.

Onny, 33, owns a food stall on Jl. Utan Kayu Raya in East Jakarta. He lives with his family at Cempaka Putih housing complex in Central Jakarta:

For me, Idul Fitri, is the time for our family, who mostly live in Yogyakarta, to get together. That's why I have planned to celebrate there with my extended family. It's a very rare opportunity which comes only once a year and I don't want to miss it.

I know that for many of the young generation, the mudik (trek home by people to their villages) tradition has been phasing out. Many people prefer to make a telephone call or send short message service (SMS) instead of visiting relatives or friends. For me, there is a big difference between talking on the phone and meeting persons to say "Happy Idul Fitri".

--The Jakarta Post