Passengers board a ship at Merak Port, Cilegon, Banten, on Thursday (22/6). Even though there was an increase in the number of passengers traveling by ship to the island of Sumatra, the homecoming flow at Merak Port was relatively smooth.
Once a year, that moment comes back. Welcoming Idul Fitri is marked by residents of large cities returning to their hometowns.
Not a few of them have to experience an arduous homecoming travel, breaking through severe congestion, also with big traffic risks. However, we must respect the determination of the travelers who seem to risk anything for the sake of meeting with parents and relatives who become a part of their life and existence. Being able to unite with the beautiful past on the day full of unpretentiousness is an extraordinary blessing that is worth the fatigue and risk of getting it.
If we ponder a little further, the homecoming tradition also contributes to the weaving of the nation’s fabric. Meeting with relatives and friends, while sharing stories about life experiences (including in the get-together later) can undoubtedly strengthen the bond among families, communities and children of the nation.
We want to give further meaning to Idul Fitri 1438 Hijriah or 2017, related to the socio-political development we have experienced in recent time. Even though the point of fire is in Jakarta, no doubt its repercussion extends to remote areas across the country. Yes, the Jakarta gubernatorial election, being recognized or not, has torn the fabric of our nation.
In Ramadhan sermons, Surah Al-Hujurat Paragraph 13 in the Quran is frequently quoted. Allah affirms to mankind that He created man from a man and woman and made the man in nations and tribes to know each other. The paragraph asserts that difference is the divine order and humans must be sincere to accept the provision of the Almighty.
We hope that the Ramadhan festivities can eradicate the mist that yesterday covered the hearts of people and bring us all purity of heart and mind. For the Indonesian people who still have a lot of work to do, post-Ramadhan is the best moment to prove that there are many people who are reborn with new faith, with a new mental and spiritual attitude and with new understanding.
Ramadhan has reached its end and when takbir and tahmid reverberate, let\'s welcome the day of victory with clean hearts, and on the Idul Fitri feast, let us ask for forgiveness from one another and start a new phase of life. Again, there are still many challenges and jobs in sight.
Happy Idul Fitri 1 Syawal 1438 H. Minal aidin walfaizin, please accept all my apologies.
