Millions of Indonesians head home for the holidays (Feature)

By Sukino Harisumarto Sep 26, 2008, 2:44 GMT

   Jakarta - Going home for Eid al-Fitr is seen as an obligation for Muslims, but when you live in Indonesia - the world's fourth most-populous nation which is also the world's most-populous Muslim country - the journey can be a logistical nightmare.

   The obstacles do not daunt millions of Muslims who have just completed the Ramadan month of fasting - during which they are barred from eating, drinking or having sex from dawn to dusk - and are now ready to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, or what the locals call Lebaran.

   'Going home for Eid al-Fitr celebration is quite an exhaustive journey. But we're happy,' claims Sungkono, the father of three. 'It's an occasion of double joy - and a double headache.'

   Sungkono, 48, stood in long queues for hours with hundreds of other would-be travelers at Jakarta's Senen railway station recently to make sure he had tickets for his family of five to travel home to celebrate the annual Eid al-Fitr holiday.

   'Lebaran is the most exciting event for most of us,' said the factory worker, who like many Indonesians goes only by one name. 'It is our tradition that all family members get together. I always return to my home village in Gunungkidul (Central Java) every Lebaran to be with them.'

   In the Indonesian capital Jakarta, tens of thousands of people are already crowding airport, seaport, bus and railway stations to secure tickets ahead of the two-day holiday which officially starts October 1.

   Transport officials estimate that around 26 million people across the country are expected to be on the move in the next week - up more than 6 per cent from last year's figures - with the majority of travelers relying on land transportation.

   'The availability of seats will be guaranteed,' said Transport Minister Jusman Syafii Djamal, adding that there will be extra train services and additional coaches during the pre- and post-festive period.

   The government says that up to 35.67 million seats had been prepared, exceeding the estimated demand of 15.8 million seats.

   Ferry services have also been increased in the vast archipelago nation, much to the relief of Asep Bustaman waiting at Jakarta's Tanjung Priok seaport to sail aboard a passenger ship to West Sumatran city of Padang.

   'It's full of happiness to be together with our family members during the two-days celebration,' said Bustaman.

   Despite the government's promise to improve road conditions there remain concerns of major traffic jams similar to the last four years along Java's northern coastline.

   'I highly hope the government's promise will come true and there will be less traffic congestion this time,' said Agus Wahyudi, who spent 30 hours on the road last year for the journey to Klaten district in central Java, nearly threes times longer than normal.

   Auto emergency posts have been set up in case cars get into trouble on the way home while political parties are taking advantage of those hitting the road and are setting up booths at rest areas in an attempt to attract potential voters for next year's general elections.

   A number of large companies are chartering buses for their workers to head home so they can enjoy the traditional feasts with their families.

   Like Christmas for Christians, Eid al-Fitr is a holiday for families to gather, enjoy lavish meals and exchange presents - mostly in the form of new clothes and money.

   'My wife prefers the traditional ketupat (rice bundled in young coconut leaves) and rendang (spiced beef cooked in coconut milk),' said Abdul Aziz, 45, a father of four. 'But I'm worried with the rising price of beef as the big celebration is getting closer.'