'Official Idul Fitri holiday only gives more headaches'

Idul Fitri holidays were supposed to be for only two days. But as the government extended the official holidays until the end of this month, the city administration and state institutions have shut. The Jakarta Post talked to several people about the issue.

Arlene, 30, a civil servant in the training division of the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office. She lives in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, with her parents:

I have a full week off to celebrate Idul Fitri. That is good for me to take some days off from the tiring job I must face everyday.

Besides, I need more days to visit my relatives as part of the tradition to pay visits to relatives during the celebrations. I'm a member of a big family, I have many brothers and sisters.

Wage Parman, 35, an employee of a private automotive company in East Jakarta. He lives with his father on Jl. Otista, East Jakarta:

The ten-day official holiday is good, of course. I should be thankful for the long holidays. I have more time to visit my two children and wife in Semarang.

However, the long holidays have given the reason for my housemaids to ask for longer holidays too. That gives me a headache.

Herry, 38, a taxi driver. He lives in Kalibata Utara subdistrict, South Jakarta, with his parents and siblings:

The official holiday is a bit too long for me. The offices of public services should have been opened on Nov. 27. What if emergencies taken place? For example, I need to renew my ID card, or, worse, someone is dead. How to get all the documents required done when the office of subdistrict administration is closed?

And why should the banks take the long holiday as well?

-- The Jakarta Post