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.