People speak up about the meaning of Idul Fitri

Millions of Moslems across the country will celebrate Idul Fitri (Lebaran) as soon as the call to dusk prayer is sounded today. After the holy month of Ramadhan, during which Moslems abstain from drinking, eating and having sex during the day, Idul Fitri is regarded as a time for self-purification. The Jakarta Post interviewed a range of people to find out what the holiday means to them and how they will spend their time this Feb. 9 and Feb. 10.

Lt. Gen. Wiranto, chief of the Army Strategic Reserves Command and head of the Indonesian Bridge Association:

"As a Moslem, I'll do some routine activities such as paying zakat (obligatory alms paid by Moslems) and perform the Idul Fitri prayer. The most important thing is to make silaturahmi (friendly visits) to strengthen brotherly ties, though I don't know if I will perform silaturahmi with my office or bridge playing colleagues."

During a recent breaking of the fast gathering, Wiranto looked happy among his fellow bridge players, who won the Australian Open last month.

"It was the nicest present of the holy Ramadhan month."

Marwah Daud Ibrahim, Golkar member of the House of Representatives and executive director of the Orbit scholarship program for underprivileged children, believes in sharing success with others. She hopes to instill a sense of integrity, family and spiritual belief in her three children through prayer and by eating meals together during Ramadhan and Idul Fitri.

She tries to share the same values with students in the Orbit program. One of her greatest joys is hearing about the accomplishments of the students who completed their schooling with her organization's assistance.

She would like to have more time to write a book about her experiences and observations in a spiritual and philosophical manner similar to Scott Peck, the author of The Road Less Traveled.

Wardiman Djojonegoro, minister of education and culture, stressed the importance of contemplating one's actions during Ramadhan, Idul Fitri and throughout the year.

He believes in promoting Islam as the impetus of modern development and feels that seeking and sharing knowledge is a continuous process. He enjoys excerpts from the Holy Koran and the perspective they bring to scientific issues, history and the environment.

Sujudi, minister of health, believes honesty is the key to success and inner peace, regardless of the time of year.

Wisaksono Noeradi, working in Matari's public relations division, enjoys giving and receiving Idul Fitri gifts that have an Islamic nuance such as books, tapes, songs, works of calligraphy, clothing and home furnishings. He likes to give children books about Islam and other topics that will help enhance their intellects. Above all, the gifts should have a long-lasting impact on whoever gives or receives them.

T. Yuni, Kosti Jaya taxi driver, said: "Of course, I have to spend this special time with my children and wife in my hometown of Tegal in Central Java. There's no reason for me to keep on looking for money in Jakarta on a day as special as this to a Moslem. I don't care about those people, particularly the well- educated ones, that complain about low-income workers like me who spend a year's worth of earnings for Idul Fitri. So what? This is the way people like me enjoy life. I'll take an economy-class train to Tegal two days prior to Idul Fitri. I mailed money and new clothes to my children and wife a few days ago so I wouldn't have anything heavy to carry on the train, which is normally packed."

Ande Latief, founder of PT Tiga Utama, a private firm offering exclusive travel packages for haj and umrah pilgrimages, said: "I used to always be in Mecca for Idul Fitri to monitor our thousands of customers performing umrah at the end of the fasting month. But, this year, the merciful Allah wanted me to stay in Jakarta with my family and because my doctor needs me to stay here for a medical check-up."

Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata, chief of the Jakarta Police, said: "As in previous years, my family and I will spend Idul Fitri in the city. We'll stay at home and I strongly believe my two sons won't complain about it. My parents and my wife's have already passed away so we'll just visit some of our relatives who also live here."

Denada, singer and model, said: "I'm going to my mother's hometown of Banyuwangi, East Java. I want to take a train, but if I don't get a seat I'll drive. I know the traffic will be terrible but still I want to go. I'll spend about a week there. It will be nice to get together with my family and relatives. And, the best thing is there will be lots of food... Don't ask how much I weigh.

I want to relax during the holiday. Even if there is an offer to sing, I won't take it. No. Not now."

Lt. Col. Sisno Adiwinoto, chief of the South Jakarta Police, has to work on Idul Fitri.

"As usual I will work during the holidays. I don't know exactly where I will be. I might work in the office, go on patrol or go to areas where crimes tend to take place.

"I have to place the public interest above my family. That is the consequence of my job. I have been a policeman for 21 years, meaning that I have worked on Idul Fitri 21 times."

Bonit Wiryawan, member of the country's Davis Cup team since 1991, will not be able to celebrate Idul Fitri with his family this year because he has to play in the Asia Oceania Group I Davis Cup match from Feb. 7 to Feb. 9 in Manila.

"It's not a problem because it's not the first time I've had to celebrate Idul Fitri abroad."

In 1992, Bonit spent Idul Fitri in Manila playing in the Davis Cup and in 1994 he was in Jakarta, also for the Davis Cup.

"This year, I'm going back home before flying to Manila to say goodbye to my parents, who are going on the haj pilgrimage."

Bonit, who will celebrate his 29th birthday on Feb. 10, is hoping for an Indonesian victory over the Philippines as his present.

Ricky Subagja, badminton player and 1996 Olympic gold medalist along with partner Ricky Ahmad Subadja, said, "I don't have any particular plans, I'll just go home and pay respects to my mother in Bandung."

Last year he went home on malam takbiran to prepare for the All England Championship.

"I thank God that I was able to pray sholat Ied (Idul Fitri prayer) in my hometown."

Ricky said he'll have more time to spend with his family this year but that after Idul Fitri he has to rush back to Jakarta to prepare for the championship.

"We should not say takbiran (to praise the Lord) before Idul Fitri. It's like celebrating a birthday before the actual day."

But, Ricky kept praising the Lord, "Allahhu Akbar....Allahhu Akbar. Laa ilaaha illallah...." (team)