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Professions that know no holidays
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Doctors from the Vietnam-Germany Hospital conduct an organ transplant. Doctors are among those who work during holidays. (Courtesy of the Vietnam-Germany Hospital/-)
W
hile millions of people across the nation return to their hometowns to celebrate Idul Fitri with their families, some people are duty bound to continue work.
Police, nurses, drivers, doctors and firefighters are among those who know no holidays.
Rofi Noviyanus, a train driver, said he had not celebrated Idul Fitri with his family since he began working in the profession.
“It’s the fourth year I can’t gather with my family,” he said.
He said he sometimes felt sad that he was unable to return home to see his parents, relatives and friends at Idul Fitri. However, he realized he had a duty to take other people home.
“It is happiness indeed when I see my passengers arrive home safely to meet their families in their hometowns, even though I cannot do the same,” he said.
To cure his homesickness, he said he usually made a video call to his parents.
“Today, we live in an era with modern technology when distance is no longer an issue,” he said.
Rofi has operated long-distance trains since 2012, serving various routes including Jakarta-Bandung and Jakarta-Solo.
He recalled an unforgettable moment from Idul Fitri in 2014, when an elderly female passenger gave him rendang (beef simmered in coconut milk and spices) and lontong (rice cake wrapped in banana leaves) when the train arrived at the station.
“I was touched. From then I was sure that we truly never live alone,” he said.
Besides transportation workers, doctors are also bound to work during holidays, as hospitals must remain open 24/7.
Arisyah Irmawaty, a doctor at South Tangerang General Hospital, said she would be on duty from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during Idul Fitri.
She admitted that she was sad to not see her family for the holiday, but said she tried to stay committed to her profession. Helping patients was a doctor’s duty, she added.
“I understand the consequences of my job, which requires me to be ready at all times for my patients,” she said. (sha/iwa)
