The Idul Fitri impact

The Idul Fitri impact

Several provincial officials have made an interesting point
about the perennial flight of Jakartans from the capital around
the time of Idul Fitri, when millions will journey back to their
home towns in the provinces.

Soetjipto, a regent in Tegal, Central Java, said last week
that owners of roadside eating stalls in Jakarta and other major
cities in West Java are expected to take more than Rp 3 billion
(US$1.3 million) back to their villages during the holidays.
Harsadiningrat, a regent in Gunungkidul near Yogyakarta, has put
the figure closer to Rp 10 billion.

Both have suggested that people and officials in the regions
use these funds to help support the government's efforts to
eradicate poverty in rural areas.

Soetjipto, who is also the government's chief administrator
for the regency, suggested a friendly get-together between
officials, local leading citizens and former members of the
community who have come home for the holidays. Together, he said,
they could renew contacts and persuade those who now live and
work in Jakarta to help the poor in their former home villages.

In Gunungkidul, Harsadiningrat has instructed district heads
to arrange a proper homecoming, from clean streets and yards to
flying banners. He made no bones about his intent to make sure
that the holidaymakers from Jakarta would feel at home and spend
as much money as possible while in town.

There can be no question about the economic impact of the Idul
Fitri exodus on the rural areas. Apart from the billions of
rupiah spent, radios, television sets, clothing and thousands of
other goods will be given as presents to family and friends.

Shops, restaurants and hotels as well as operators of buses
and other means of transportation also reap great economic
benefits from the tradition.

The mudik tradition of making the yearly trip home is likely
to stay with us for a while, despite the hardships the travelers
endure due to inadequate transport facilities and infrastructure.

Much criticism has been leveled at the tradition, which many
consider "irrational" and "old-fashioned". For those still making
the trip, however, the maintenance of old ties is important
enough to brave the inconveniences.

Few have bothered to examine the economic aspects of the
tradition, except those in the provinces who have grown
accustomed to the yearly inflow. In any case, as long as the
mudik tradition is with us, the rational thing to do is maximize
its positive effects while working to correct the negative.