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Homeward bound
The Jakarta Post | Sun, 09/28/2008 12:28 PM | Photo
Mudik is an annual ritual for millions of Indonesians who return to their hometowns to celebrate the most important Muslim holiday, Idul Fitri.
The celebration marks the end of the fasting month, when Muslims forgive one another for past transgressions.
The government estimates that nearly 15.8 million people will travel to their hometowns this year using various modes of transportation: from airplanes and private cars to public intercity buses and ferry ships, trains and motorcycles.
It’s the same old story, time after time, with people vying and jostling with other passengers to grab a seat on a train, parents hauling their young children on long motorcycle rides and other familiar scenes. About the only thing that changes is the number of people who go home for the holidays, which is steadily increasing year after year.
Big cities, including Jakarta, become deserted for a few days during Idul Fitri, providing a short respite, a time to recuperate from the daily hustle and bustle.
For holidaymakers, it’s time for reunion and redemption. Most of all, it’s time to celebrate kinship and our origins. Happy holidays!
