'My bonus is for my son's education'

With only 10 days left until Idul Fitri, many people are busily shopping for new clothes, shoes and presents, especially for children. People are also spending money on travel to return home for the celebrations. The Jakarta Post talked to residents on their plans for their Idul Fitri bonuses.

Zaky Mahendra Putra, 25, is a marketing executive at a publishing company in Jakarta. A bachelor, who plans to get married next year, he lives in South Jakarta:

Actually, I need a raise in my Idul Fitri bonus so that I don't have to use all my salary to cover my expenses celebrating Idul Fitri at my hometown.

I return home to Pontianak (West Kalimantan) for the celebration every year. Two-way tickets are almost equal to my bonus. I was lucky to get a normal price for the tickets this year, thanks to an insider at an airline company.

I have planned to buy something for my parents and relatives to show them I have earned money in Jakarta. This is very important for me. So, I have to spend my salary on this.

I know I should be thankful for receiving an Idul Fitri bonus but how can I save money for my planned wedding if my salary and my bonus are all gone?

Santi, 48, a civil servant working at the Jakarta Police Headquarters. She lives in Ciledug, Tangerang, with her husband and two children:

I haven't received my Idul Fitri bonus. When I do, I will save the money to pay for my son's tuition fees in university.

However, I will still spare some money to buy ingredients so I can cook ketupat sayur (steamed rice in coconut leaves) to keep with tradition.

My husband runs his own business, so he will not receive a bonus.

-- The Jakarta Post