What is the Difference Between Mudik and Returning to One's Hometown? Definitions, History, and Meanings Explained
In the lead-up to Eid al-Fitr, traffic congestion begins to build towards rural areas. Citizens take advantage of the Eid holiday to return to their places of origin. Major cities such as Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Bali become noticeably quieter than on ordinary days.
Mudik is often considered synonymous with returning to one’s hometown. However, these two terms actually carry different contextual meanings. This discussion emerged following the prohibition on mudik during the 2021 Eid holiday.
President Joko Widodo issued a prohibition on mudik for migrant workers during that Eid period. Widodo subsequently clarified that mudik specifically occurs in the run-up to Eid and differs from simply returning to one’s hometown.
What is the difference between the concepts of mudik and returning to one’s hometown? Below is a detailed explanation.
What is the Difference Between Mudik and Returning to One’s Hometown?
According to the Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI) website, mudik is defined as sailing or travelling to the “udik” (upriver, interior region). There is also a definition of mudik as returning to one’s hometown. Additionally, the dictionary notes a CAK entry meaning conversation.
Linguist Devie Rahmawati revealed that mudik is a migrant tradition performed once a year, whilst returning to one’s hometown is not time-restricted and occurs more than once annually. Meanwhile, Definitional Expert Effendi Ghazali tends to follow KBBI standards.
The term mudik has come to be understood as the local migration of urban workers from cities to rural areas, a phenomenon that occurs temporally. Returning to one’s hometown is more broadly viewed as someone’s permanent migration from their place of work back to their native region.
History of Mudik and Returning to One’s Hometown
Mudik and returning to one’s hometown actually exist in various cultures. Although Islam has no specific recommendation for mudik or returning home, it is recorded that Prophet Muhammad performed mudik. This occurred during the Conquest of Mecca (Fathul Makkah).
When Prophet Muhammad returned to Mecca, he and his companions remained there for 19 days and celebrated Eid al-Fitr in their place of origin. Prophet Muhammad demonstrated the beauty of Islam and cleansed the Kaaba of all idols. After completing all matters, Prophet Muhammad and his companions returned to Medina.
The people of the Indonesian archipelago have long known the tradition of mudik and returning to one’s hometown. Javanese farmers would clean ancestral burial sites and pray to celestial deities. This tradition aimed to seek blessings and protection for themselves and their families during their time away.
How do Mudik and Returning to One’s Hometown Relate to Socio-Economic Contexts?
Mudik for Eid only began emerging in the 1970s. This was driven by economic factors and massive urbanisation pressure. Ismail Marzuki’s song “Hari Lebaran” (Eid Day) actually depicts a social situation reversed from today. Village communities celebrated Eid by visiting urban areas, whilst city dwellers celebrated with entertainment such as gambling and intoxication.
Post-independence and New Order urban development encouraged rural migration, particularly to Jakarta. Massive construction projects became an attraction for people seeking employment and higher wages. Mudik during Eid became an opportunity to bring the fruits of labour from the city.
Mudik carries profound meaning, particularly as a means of strengthening familial bonds. Mutual forgiveness is also an essential element. Additionally, many people give money and gifts to visiting guests.
Millions of migrants from major cities drive the economy across various sectors including transportation, services, food, and clothing. Economic activity that typically circulates in Jakarta is distributed to other regions.
This concludes our explanation of the difference between mudik and returning to one’s hometown. We hope this has been helpful!