Jakarta - Going home for Eid al-Fitr is seen as an
obligation for Muslims, but when you live in Indonesia - the world's
fourth most-populous nation which is also the world's most-populous
Muslim country - the journey can be a logistical nightmare.
The obstacles do not daunt millions of Muslims who have just
completed the Ramadan month of fasting - during which they
are barred from eating, drinking or having sex from dawn to dusk -
and are now ready to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, or what the locals call
Lebaran.
'Going home for Eid al-Fitr celebration is quite an exhaustive
journey. But we're happy,' claims Sungkono, the father of three.
'It's an occasion of double joy - and a double headache.'
Sungkono, 48, stood in long queues for hours with hundreds of
other would-be travelers at Jakarta's Senen railway station recently
to make sure he had tickets for his family of five to travel home to
celebrate the annual Eid al-Fitr holiday.
'Lebaran is the most exciting event for most of us,' said the
factory worker, who like many Indonesians goes only by one name.
'It is our tradition that all family members get together. I always
return to my home village in Gunungkidul (Central Java) every Lebaran
to be with them.'
In the Indonesian capital Jakarta, tens of thousands of people are
already crowding airport, seaport, bus and railway stations to secure
tickets ahead of the two-day holiday which officially starts October
1.
Transport officials estimate that around 26 million people across
the country are expected to be on the move in the next week - up more
than 6 per cent from last year's figures - with the majority of
travelers relying on land transportation.
'The availability of seats will be guaranteed,' said Transport
Minister Jusman Syafii Djamal, adding that there will be extra
train services and additional coaches during the pre- and
post-festive period.
The government says that up to 35.67 million seats had been
prepared, exceeding the estimated demand of 15.8 million seats.
Ferry services have also been increased in the vast archipelago
nation, much to the relief of Asep Bustaman waiting at Jakarta's
Tanjung Priok seaport to sail aboard a passenger
ship to West Sumatran city of Padang.
'It's full of happiness to be together with our family
members during the two-days celebration,' said Bustaman.
Despite the government's promise to improve road conditions there
remain concerns of major traffic jams similar to the last four years
along Java's northern coastline.
'I highly hope the government's promise will come true and there
will be less traffic congestion this time,' said Agus Wahyudi, who
spent 30 hours on the road last year for the journey to Klaten
district in central Java, nearly threes times longer than normal.
Auto emergency posts have been set up in case cars get into
trouble on the way home while political parties are taking advantage
of those hitting the road and are setting up booths at rest areas in
an attempt to attract potential voters for next year's general
elections.
A number of large companies are chartering buses for their workers
to head home so they can enjoy the traditional feasts with their
families.
Like Christmas for Christians, Eid al-Fitr is a holiday for
families to gather, enjoy lavish meals and exchange presents - mostly
in the form of new clothes and money.
'My wife prefers the traditional ketupat (rice bundled in young
coconut leaves) and rendang (spiced beef cooked in coconut milk),'
said Abdul Aziz, 45, a father of four. 'But I'm worried with the
rising price of beef as the big celebration is getting closer.'
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