Eid al-Fitr in Indonesia is inseparable from the annual phenomenon called “mudik.” This tradition of returning to one’s hometown is so massive that millions of people are willing to endure long and tiring journeys just to reunite with their families in their hometowns. The uniqueness of mudik during Eid al-Fitr makes it one of the most interesting traditions in Indonesia.
Returning home during Eid al-Fitr is a very important time when all regions in Indonesia trigger many economic activities. Local transportation companies and other businesses offer various attractive deals at prices that are sometimes very high, such as transportation costs that can increase up to three times the normal days, and all tickets sell out quickly.
Furthermore, many goods are also sold out to the travelers. Even large companies use Eid homecoming as an opportunity to promote their businesses by providing free transportation to employees or the surrounding community using large buses decorated with their company posters and advertisements.
That’s just one of the many unique aspects of the mudik tradition in Indonesia. There are still many other unique aspects of Eid homecoming that you should know. Check out the following article!
The Origin of the Word “Mudik”
As Eid al-Fitr approaches, all media, both print and electronic, begin to discuss mudik. Even the government, especially the Ministry of Transportation and the police, make great efforts to ensure the smoothness of this activity. Every year, the number of mudik travelers continues to flood terminals, stations, ports, and airports. But where does the term “mudik” actually come from?
In general, there is no definite answer. The term “mudik” is recorded in Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), which means “(sailing, going) to the “udik” (upstream of the river, hinterland) or returning to the hometown.”
In Islamic teachings, the tradition of mudik does not exist. After fasting for a full month, Muslims are only required to give zakat al-fitr and perform Eid al-Fitr prayers at the mosque or open ground.
However, linguistically, the word “Eid al-Fitr” can be interpreted as returning to purity or nature, which means returning to the origin. Philosophically, migrants living in big cities usually return to their hometowns, known as “mudik.”
Brief History of Mudik in Indonesia
According to Umar Kayam (2002), initially, the tradition of mudik was a primordial custom of Javanese peasant communities that existed before the Majapahit kingdom. This activity was usually carried out to clean the ancestors’ graves and pray together to the gods in the spiritual realm.
However, with the influence of Islamic teachings, this tradition began to be displaced because it was considered an act of polytheism, especially if it was used to ask for help from deceased ancestors.
Then, in the 1970s, when Jakarta became the only big city in Indonesia, people from villages flocked there to seek employment and improve their fortunes. Long holidays usually fell on big days like Eid al-Fitr, so this moment was used for mudik and to gather with family, as well as to visit the ancestors’ graves.
Unique Aspects of Eid homecoming Tradition
Eid homecoming tradition is a special moment for many people in Indonesia. It’s not just about returning home; mudik holds various unique aspects that make it special.
1. Opportunity to Reunite with Family
Eid homecoming provides a rare opportunity for families separated by distance to reunite. This moment is highly anticipated as it allows them to celebrate Eid together, share stories, and strengthen family ties.
One tradition that still exists during Eid al-Fitr is “Nyadran” tradition. This tradition is prevalent in three regencies in Pantura Java, namely Brebes, Tegal, and Slawi. This tradition involves visits from younger generations to older generations such as parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and so on.
During the visit, they bring gifts such as sugar, tea, and snacks. Visits are made both individually and in groups with other relatives.
2. Pilgrimage Ritual to Ancestors’ Graves
For some people, mudik is not just about returning to their hometowns but also about performing a pilgrimage ritual to the graves of ancestors. This is a highly respected tradition believed to bring blessings and protection to the travelers.
One example is the Kenduri Makam in Aceh. This is a tradition inherited from generation to generation by the residents of Pasi Village in West Aceh Regency. This tradition is held on the 12th day after Eid al-Fitr celebration.
People visit the graves and hold a communal meal at the family burial site. Those attending the Kenduri bring various Acehnese dishes to be enjoyed together after the event.
3. Bustle at Transit Points
When the mudik season arrives, terminals, stations, ports, and airports turn into bustling centers. The spirited atmosphere of Eid can be felt everywhere, with people flocking to their hometowns.
At the terminal, buses are filled with passengers carrying various belongings. At the station, trains are crowded with migrants who want to meet their families in their hometowns.
At the port, ferries transport travelers to their destination islands. And at the airport, planes land and take off carrying travelers from various parts of Indonesia.
4. Creativity in Transportation
The high demand for transportation during mudik encourages many people to innovate in their vehicles. This is done to maximize passenger capacity and comfort on long journeys.
For example, on buses, additional seats are installed to accommodate more passengers. There are also buses with a “double-decker” system that provides two levels of seating. On trains, additional carriages are added to increase passenger capacity.
Even private vehicles undergo modifications, usually simpler ones. For example, private cars are modified by installing roof racks to carry luggage or folding rear seats to increase passenger space. Motorcycles are also modified, with additional luggage racks or carrying extra passengers.
5. Solidarity and Mutual Assistance
Mudik tradition is not only about going home and meeting family but also a moment to strengthen solidarity and mutual assistance in society. Amidst the long and challenging journey of mudik, many people voluntarily help fellow travelers.
This assistance can come in various forms, such as providing temporary accommodation, distributing food and drinks, or helping travelers experiencing difficulties with their vehicles. The spirit of mutual assistance and caring for each other is a common sight during the mudik season.
6. Celebration of Cultural Diversity
As a country rich in cultural diversity, Eid homecoming tradition showcases the celebration of this diversity. Each region has its own characteristics in celebrating Eid.
For example, Malaman in Lampung is a tradition performed on the night of takbir, which falls a day before Eid al-Fitr. On that night, children and teenage boys in Lampung usually gather coconut shells in their home yards and stack them up to a height of about one meter or more.
As Eid approaches, the unused coconut shells from the process of cooking rendang become more abundant. After being stacked, the coconut shells are then burned so that the fire grows larger, and the children cheerfully welcome it.
Eid Homecoming in the Modern Era
Although technology is advancing and long-distance communication has become easy, the mudik tradition is still maintained because it has not become part of the fundamental culture in Indonesia, especially in rural areas. Migrants are willing to queue for train or plane tickets just to arrive at their hometowns before Eid.
However, the mudik tradition remains difficult to replace with technology because it serves several important purposes. First, to seek blessings by visiting and gathering with family and neighbors. Second, as psychological therapy for refreshing from work routines. Third, to remember origins and introduce descendants to their hometowns. And fourth, to show off as someone who has succeeded in seeking fortune in big cities.
Conclusion
Eid homecoming has become a unique tradition that reflects the values of family and mutual cooperation in Indonesian tradition. Although modernization brings various influences, the spirit of Eid homecoming is believed to always be preserved. Hopefully, Eid homecoming can continue to proceed safely, comfortably, and bring blessings to all parties involved.
References:
https://journal.uny.ac.id/index.php/ptbb/article/view/30754
https://ejournal.unsri.ac.id/index.php/jep/article/view/5001/2724
https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/5034-ID-mudik-dan-keretakan-budaya.pdf
https://ejournal.stais.ac.id/index.php/trq/article/download/172/91
https://proceedings.radenfatah.ac.id/index.php/lc-TiaRS/article/view/755/562
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