'It's about being a better person'

Idul Fitri is right around the corner. Many Jakartans have already left for their hometowns, while others prefer to stay in the city and celebrate the holiday here. The Jakarta Post asked residents what Idul Fitri means to them.

Marwan, 35, is a public minivan driver. He lives with his wife and son in Kebayoran Lama:

Idul Fitri means I have to buy new clothes for my five-year- old son and my wife, and myself if I have any money left. It has become tradition that on Idul Fitri everybody wears new clothes, particularly the children.

As a consequence, the holiday only means one thing for me: working extra hours.

Unlike private employees and civil servants, I don't receive a holiday bonus. Instead, I have to give Idul Fitri "bonuses" to the thugs at the bus terminals. Dozens of them in Kebayoran Lama have demanded that I give them Rp 3,000 (about 30 US cents) each. I don't know how I will be able to pay them.

Wandi, 38, is a taxi driver. He lives with his family in Depok:

I have told my two children that there will be no "Idul Fitri" this year, meaning that there will be no new clothes for them, no ketupat (special food of rice served in coconut leaves) or cakes, and no pocket money.

I have debts to pay, rent and my children's school fees. I have to save most of my salary.

I want my children to understand that Idul Fitri is not about parties. It's about becoming better people after a month of fasting and restraining ourselves. --The Jakarta Post