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n odd tradition evolving in the last few decades, as Indonesia modernizes, is the annual exodus from cities to rural areas each time the nation'€™s Muslims mark the end of Ramadhan. This week will see a substantial amount of people leave cities and towns to celebrate Idul Fitri in their kampung.

Mudik, as the tradition of returning home to villages is popularly called, has grown in strength as the nation becomes progressively more prosperous and urbane, with many more people living in cities and leading more materialistic lifestyles.

The government estimates that a record of more than 19 million people will have left cities and towns by the time Ramadhan ends this weekend. Jakarta'€™s 11 million people will be halved this time next week.

Managing the transportation flow to rural areas has become an annual nightmare for the government, as travelers jostle their way, by land, air, sea or river, to reach home before Idul Fitri.

Casual observers will be forgiven if they see an inherent contradiction in a nation struggling to modernize and embracing values that come with modern lifestyles, while at the same time adhering to a tradition of going back to their rural roots once a year.

Even more insane is the lengths some Indonesians are prepared to go to reach home. Some are willing to pay the fares despite airline, train and bus companies hiking their rates. Airports and seaports will fill to the brim and roads heading of out Jakarta and other big cities will be congested.

The 577-kilometer drive from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, which on normal days takes around 14 hours, could take up to two days this week. Some even risk their lives riding on motorcycles for these long journeys. Police said nearly 800 people died during mudik last year, most through motorcycle accidents.

With the increasing movement of people within Indonesia, with its substantial urbanization, the mudik tradition is only growing stronger while the nation modernizes.

As strange as it may seem, mudik actually helps keep the pace of modernity in Indonesia in check and under control. People need to return to their roots from time to time, not only to celebrate Idul Fitri with their folks but, more importantly, to touch base with some of the traditional values and wisdom that are harder to find in their daily urban surroundings.

Many find living in cities a big struggle. Often they live parallel lives to their neighbors, as everyone is either too busy or too different in their cultures or interests to get to know one another.

But, respect for the elderly and authority, tolerance, patience, peace, thankfulness, humility and the spirit of gotong royong (mutual assistance) can still be found in idyllic rural settings.

Mudik is a modern tradition that can help us keep our sanity and humanity.

To those who are joining this week'€™s exodus, we wish them a safe journey home. To those staying put, enjoy the brief lull and traffic-free Jakarta.