'I'll spend my time at the village'

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sat, 12/30/2006 2:19 PM  |  Jakarta

Governor Sutiyoso has asked people to hold modest New Year's celebrations to save money and reduce consumerism. The Jakarta Post asked people how they planned to spend New Year's Eve.

Dulkanan, 36, is a corporal from a Navy marine base in Surabaya, who is assigned to the Indonesian Military headquarters in Jakarta:

This is the first time in 13 years that I have had a chance to see my parents during the New Year. Usually two days before New Year's Eve we are deployed to the regions to safeguard the celebrations.

This year I get two days off to visit my parents in Indramayu, West Java. The buses are full, so I will probably take the train instead. It's traffic-jam free.

My plan will be to spend all my time at the village.

Nany Rohani, 21, works at the Arion shopping mall in Rawamangun, East Jakarta:

I plan to go home in Sumedang, West Java, to meet my parents. I will spend the New Year's Eve with my family there. I know that Jakarta is always vibrant during New Year's Eve but I prefer a quiet celebration like the one at my home.

Wim David, 27, works as a store manager in Pulo Gadung Business Center in East Jakarta:

I am from eastern Indonesia and I have no family here to celebrate the New Year's Eve with, so I prefer to go out.

My four friends and me plan to go to Ancol in North Jakarta to enjoy the fireworks and the many bands and DJs performing there.

If rains, it will be good because it will be an unforgettable year-end memory, compared to the usual ritual of gathering with family at home.

--The Jakarta Post

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