'Mudik' should not be every year'

It has become a tradition for many Muslims living in, but not from, Jakarta to take part in the annual exodus to their hometowns to celebrate Idul Fitri. They often spend most of their savings for tickets and presents for all the family members back home. The Jakarta Post asked two residents to reflect on it, especially in light of the recent fuel price increases.

Tusy Adibroto, 50, is an executive with the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) with an office on Jl. MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta:

Of course, I will celebrate Idul Fitri in my hometown because it is good time for me to meet with my parents and relatives. I think to get together with relatives during such a holiday is a good tradition because we have no time the rest of the year.

Thank God, my hometown is nearby in Bandung, while parents and relatives of my husband are mostly in Jakarta. Therefore, there is no problem for transportation for us. We can just drive to Bandung in the morning and return to Jakarta in the afternoon.

After meeting with relatives, we prefer to stay at home or just go sightseeing around the city. I have no problem with the household chores, even without our maid, who will have her days off, because I can cook by myself.

Idul Fitri is a special day for my family, but does not make me too busy.

Naniek Widayati, 46, is an architect with Tarumanagara University on Jl. S. Parman in Grogol, West Jakarta. She is also the director of the Center for Architecture and Conservation:

Usually, I visit my parents in Solo, Central Java during Idul Fitri. But this year, I prefer to stay at home. No, not because of the fuel price hikes, but I just want to enjoy this holiday here.

I believe Idul Fitri is good for getting together with family, but mudik should not be every year.

Yes, I will be a little bit busy because my housemaid has left to her village, so I usually prepare meals myself. But I still have another worker to clean up the house. He can come each day because his house is close to mine.

I will have the opportunity to refresh all my cooking skills and the condition of our kitchen equipment.

-- The Jakarta Post