'Mudik' and tolerance

'Mudik' and tolerance

The fasting month of Ramadhan will soon be over, and Islamic
peoples all over the world reflect on the values of their
religion as they prepare to celebrate Idul Fitri.

For most Jakartans, particularly Muslims, Idul Fitri is a
special day set aside for reunions with relatives and old
friends.

Residents of the capital want nothing more than to be in their
hometowns for the holiday and are prepared to pay extra for bus,
train, plane or ferry tickets.

From year to year, the mass departure of residents grows in
number. It is a phenomenon locally called mudik. The Jakarta
Transportation Agency estimates that some 2.5 million people will
travel to their hometowns this year, 60 percent higher than last
year's figure.

While Islam does not explicitly recommend mudik,
it encourages people to come together, to love and know one
another, to forgive one another. Idul Fitri is a day for
reflection, devotion, self-control and also a time to share joy
and happiness.

For some, Idul Fitri is a chance to relax or break with
routine. For others, it is a matter of pride. To arrive home
laden with gifts is a sign of success, though spreading good
deeds would perhaps be more fitting.

It is not uncommon for a year's savings to be spent on Idul
Fitri. On presents -- including cash for relatives -- food and
the journey home.

According to the transportation agency around 1.6 billion
people will return home via train, bus or private car.
And, as happens every year, the government is busy making
infrastructure and security preparations.

As the annual exodus has proved unstoppable the government has
no other choice but to improve roads and other services to ensure
a safe and secure journey for all.

Mudik is the right of each and every person. However,
considering their absence over a number of days, the matter of
home security is worthy of attention.

Those going home by car or motorcycle (usually in large
groups) must abide by the traffic regulations and respect other
road users. That they return safely to their homes is more
important than the speed of their journey. Life goes on after the
festivities.

Celebrating holidays at home means big spending, and
therefore, from an economic point of view mudik benefits the
villages. While visitors' money rarely lasts until the end of the
holiday, injecting cash into the villages improves the purchasing
power of residents.

People should refrain, however, from buying
unnecessary things. Good intention should be encouraged,
including renouncing any feelings of superiority. They should
guide the misled and assist the needy -- perhaps even their
neighbors who cannot enjoy the festivities even in a modest way.

People have been experiencing hardships due to the increase in
the prices of fuel and other commodities. Thus, it is somewhat
indifferent to celebrate Idul Fitri in a joyous and prodigal way
while thousands of people have been left disheartened after
lining up for -- or missing out on -- cash aid distributed under
a government scheme to offset the effects of the fuel price
increases.

To live without discrimination or distinction is easier said
than done. Just look at the members of the House of
Representatives as they demand an additional monthly allowance of
Rp 10 million (US$1,000) while the people struggle to make ends
meet. Considering these bitter realities, Muslims must use Idul
Fitri as a time to embrace the good aims of their religion and to
set examples of tolerance, patience and justice as taught by
Islam.

Wishing all our readers a peaceful and prosperous Idul Fitri.

Minal aidin walfaidzin.