Many pay respects at city cemetery

JAKARTA (JP): Visitors flocked to Penggilingan cemetery on Jl. Layur in East Jakarta yesterday, two days after the official observance of the Idul Fitri holiday.

Cemetery staff member Lulu Arsadi said that between 300 and 400 people visited the facility yesterday, the most recorded during the holiday spanning several days.

"I think it is because today is possibly the most suitable day, as heavy rain fell Friday and they were still busy visiting their relatives and friends yesterday," he said.

Moslems pay their respects to deceased relatives at the end of the Ramadhan fasting month.

An increase in visitors did not mean bigger profits for flower vendors at the cemetery.

Sumarni complained that her income had decreased by about 50 percent from last year.

"Last year I could earn Rp 150,000 (US$15) during the holiday, but this year it is only Rp 75,000."

She attributed the decrease to visitors making smaller purchases or bringing bouquets from home. (ind)