'Mudik' takes us out from routine'

It is estimated that more than 2.5 million residents will travel home from the city for the Idul Fitri holiday. The Jakarta Post interviewed two Jakartans about their plans for this year.

Jamen, 20, works as a nanny in Rawabunga subdistrict, Jatinegara, East Jakarta:

This is my first time going home and of course that is very exciting for me. After a full year of tough work, it is time for me to relax by taking a week off and enjoying my wages. I feel proud that at last I can show to my family and relatives that I am no longer a burden on them.

I will enjoy my holidays visiting my relatives in Yogyakarta and then celebrating the Idul Fitri holiday with my family in Banyumas, Central Java.

Zaky, 26, is an employee of a printing company in Central Jakarta. He lives with his wife in Depok, West Java:

I've just married and it cost me a lot. So, my wife an I have decided that we will not go back to my parents' house in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. I am quite disappointed as mudik (homecoming) is very important to me.

You see, mudik reminds us of our roots; of who we are. By meeting our family, we realize we are not alone. Mudik also allows us to get some distance from our day-to-day routines and reflect on what we have achieved so far.

I hope that we can save much money next year so that we can go back to Pontianak. My wife is a native from Depok so we will celebrate Idul Fitri with my mother-in-law's relatives this year.

-- The Jakarta Post