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Weekly 5: Things to do ahead of Idul Fitri
It will be Idul Fitri in less than a week
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(JP/P.J. Leo)" height="341" border="0" width="512">(JP/P.J. Leo)Exchanging money
The demand for newly printed money is exceptionally high ahead of Idul Fitri as Muslims are obliged to pay alms (zakat) to be given to the poor and are also urged to give charity (infaq).
Children also love to receive new banknotes from their grandparents, working uncles and aunties.
Bank Indonesia is cooperating with a number of banks to provide 60 spots in public spaces, train stations and traditional markets, which serve people who want to exchange older banknotes for newer ones.
Meanwhile, numerous seasonal money exchange entrepreneurs can be seen in busy areas, such as in front of Bank Mandiri on Jl. Lapangan Stasiun No. 1 in West Jakarta.
âI use my brotherâs money to do this exchange business. I take a commission of Rp 15,000 for every bundle of banknotes worth Rp 200,000,â Nyana, one of the entrepreneurs, said.
Redecorating homes
Elaborating on a sunnah (words and deeds of Prophet Muhammad) that says Muslims should clean their bodies and wear their best clothes during Idul Fitri, many Muslims try to clean and decorate their homes, including painting their houseâs walls.
The habit has become a tradition shared among Betawi Muslims as they celebrate Idul Fitri, which symbolizes the victory over a month-long of physical restraints and a spiritual journey.
Men in the family whitewash walls, especially the ones facing the front yard while women make and bake traditional cakes such as dodol (taffy-like sweets made from glutinous rice, palm sugar and coconut milk) and kembang goyang (crunchy flower-shaped cookies) several days before Idul Fitri.
Presenting a clean home and setting out treats helps guests feel welcome as Idul Fitri is also a time for silaturahmi â efforts to maintain friendly relations.
Signature dishes of Idul Fitri
Certain dishes have become staple Idul Fitri dishes for many Indonesians, including ketupat (rice cakes) served with opor (chicken curry) and cookies.
Although ready-to-eat cookies are available in stores, many families still enjoy the tradition of making the cookies by themselves. Every host boasts their signature dish upon visiting each other.
t will be Idul Fitri in less than a week. Most people are feeling the time crunch as they have so many things to do, in so little time. Here is a list of things to do ahead of the biggest Muslim festivity and the annual exodus of nearly 10 million of the city's residents. (JP/P.J. Leo)
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Shopping
Shopping centers will be packed as workers have received their holiday bonuses (THR). Among the sought after items are clothes, footwear and gadgets. Millions of eager shoppers have been crowding Tanah Abang market, one of the busiest markets in the city.
Saraswati, a batik trader, said numerous customers were searching for Muslim attire on the upper floors and discounted clothes on the lower floors.
'Rich people usually like to share their fortunes with others. That is why affordable clothing is selling like hot cakes,' she said.
Exchanging money
The demand for newly printed money is exceptionally high ahead of Idul Fitri as Muslims are obliged to pay alms (zakat) to be given to the poor and are also urged to give charity (infaq).
Children also love to receive new banknotes from their grandparents, working uncles and aunties.
Bank Indonesia is cooperating with a number of banks to provide 60 spots in public spaces, train stations and traditional markets, which serve people who want to exchange older banknotes for newer ones.
Meanwhile, numerous seasonal money exchange entrepreneurs can be seen in busy areas, such as in front of Bank Mandiri on Jl. Lapangan Stasiun No. 1 in West Jakarta.
'I use my brother's money to do this exchange business. I take a commission of Rp 15,000 for every bundle of banknotes worth Rp 200,000,' Nyana, one of the entrepreneurs, said.
Redecorating homes
Elaborating on a sunnah (words and deeds of Prophet Muhammad) that says Muslims should clean their bodies and wear their best clothes during Idul Fitri, many Muslims try to clean and decorate their homes, including painting their house's walls.
The habit has become a tradition shared among Betawi Muslims as they celebrate Idul Fitri, which symbolizes the victory over a month-long of physical restraints and a spiritual journey.
Men in the family whitewash walls, especially the ones facing the front yard while women make and bake traditional cakes such as dodol (taffy-like sweets made from glutinous rice, palm sugar and coconut milk) and kembang goyang (crunchy flower-shaped cookies) several days before Idul Fitri.
Presenting a clean home and setting out treats helps guests feel welcome as Idul Fitri is also a time for silaturahmi ' efforts to maintain friendly relations.
Signature dishes of Idul Fitri
Certain dishes have become staple Idul Fitri dishes for many Indonesians, including ketupat (rice cakes) served with opor (chicken curry) and cookies.
Although ready-to-eat cookies are available in stores, many families still enjoy the tradition of making the cookies by themselves. Every host boasts their signature dish upon visiting each other.
Sheltering valuables and pets
Residents who are afraid of leaving their valuable items in empty houses usually rush to pawnshops and police stations to ensure their safety.
Meanwhile, pet owners usually send their beloved pets to animal boarding facilities. Pondok Pengayom Satwa Jakarta, located near Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta, is one of the city's trusted shelters.' JP
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