'New clothes for Idul Fitri is a must for me'

For many Muslims, Idul Fitri is the time of year to buy new clothes as they want to show their families how successful they have become, especially during the celebrations back in their villages. The Jakarta Post talked to several people about this kind of tradition.

Karsiha, 34, a sidewalk vendor selling cigarettes on Jl. Pemuda, East Jakarta. She lives near her kiosk with her husband, who works as a security guard, and three children. She originally comes from Cirebon, West Java:

I save money to celebrate Idul Fitri at our home village and to buy new clothes for everyone in my family.

The price of new clothes now is very expensive. However, I will still buy them for all of my children, my husband and myself. I will also buy new shoes or sandals for the celebration.

I estimate that we will spend more or less Rp 1 million. I think it's reasonable with the recent prices. I don't mean to be a show off.

I guess every villager is willing to spend that much for a new look, especially 'cause it's only once a year. It's a festive occasion for us, so why not?

To go home next month, my husband and I will try to budget, if possible, another Rp 1 million for transportation and other expenses.

Dadang, 45, a vegetable vendor in Rawamangun, East Jakarta. He lives near Persahabatan hospital in East Jakarta with his wife and four children. He comes from Kuningan, West Java:

Buying new clothes to celebrate the Idul Fitri celebration is a must for me. I don't know why I feel that way.

I have been working for years to earn money and it is all for my children. As their father, I have the responsibility to provide new outfits particularly every Idul Fitri.

My children are much more important than my wife or my own needs. I, myself, never want new clothes. The old ones are enough for an old man like me.

I have saved about Rp 400,000 for my children's new outfits this year. I would be very happy to see my children look charming in their new clothes during the celebration.

I don't know whether or not I will go back to my home town. My business is so sluggish during the fasting month. I'm not sure that my savings will be enough for the bus fares as well.

Didit, 38, a tailor in Jatinegara, East Jakarta. Originally from Ambon and now lives in Bekasi with his wife and son;

The fasting month this year is exceptionally hard compared to last year. Last year I could earn up to Rp 100,000 a day as there were many orders.

In contrast, two weeks have passed after the first day of Ramadhan, but my income has not increased. It's even tough to get Rp 30,000 a day now.

I don't have a tradition to buy new clothes during the big festivities like Christmas or Idul Fitri. I myself celebrate Christmas and my wife is Muslim.

Providing new clothes for the Muslim celebration is not a tradition in my family. I try to buy new clothes throughout the year, whenever I can depending on our budget.

Worse, I don't have much money now to afford them. That's the problem.

-- Leo Wahyudi S