'Price hike has spoiled the spirit of Idul Fitri'

The post-fasting Idul Fitri holiday, known locally as Lebaran, is just days away. The Jakarta Post asked Jakarta residents what the holiday means to them.

Selby Gunawan, in his 50s, is a resident of East Bekasi. Now retired, he used to work at an entertainment center in Kota, West Jakarta:

This Idul Fitri is nothing special for me and my family. The recent fuel price hike has left us broke. There will be no special meals or new clothes to celebrate the holiday. Of course, we will still visit our neighbors to ask forgiveness for all of our faults.

Perhaps God wants us to celebrate Idul Fitri in our hearts rather than with festivities. After a month of fasting, this Idul Fitri will be a victorious moment for our souls over our sins.

Irmalia, 30, is a housewife in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta:

It is much more difficult to celebrate Lebaran under these conditions. The price of cooking fuel has gone so high that even cooking a simple Lebaran meal is expensive.

Still, Lebaran only comes once a year and after fasting for a month it is something to look forward to and celebrate.

I will also be traveling with my husband to my hometown in Tegal, Central Java, where I will be able to exchange stories with my sisters, cousins and aunts.

I guess things will not seem so bad after hearing other people's stories.

-- The Jakarta Post