'My bonus is for my son's education'

'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