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In Indonesia, Eid ul-Fitr is a vibrant and distinctive festival that features several notable elements.

Employers are required to provide a religious holiday allowance (THR) to all workers, with administrative penalties for non-compliance.

Shopping centers and bazaars are filled with people, creating a festive ambiance throughout the country that resembles the shopping frenzy of Christmas for Christians.

The most notable aspect of Eid ul-Fitr is "Mudik," the massive temporary migration that takes place during this period. People return to their hometowns or cities to celebrate with their families and seek forgiveness from their parents, in-laws, and elders.

This annual tradition draws millions of people back to their hometowns, creating economic opportunities and business in rural areas. Extra transportation services are provided to handle the influx of travelers a few days before and after the festival. This increased travel also affects airlines, which request permits to provide extra flights to handle the surge of passengers.

It's worth mentioning that during the festival, older family members usually give small amounts of money to children, relatives, and neighbors. To accommodate this tradition, Indonesian banks and Bank Indonesia often open money exchange counters to exchange larger denominations for smaller ones a few days before the festival. There are even seasonal street traders engaged in the illegal money exchange business.

There are, of course, unique culinary traditions, such as beef stew, chicken opor, beef rendang, sambal goreng ati, and ketupat, to name a few.

Overall, the Eid ul-Fitr festival in Indonesia is a colorful and lively celebration with unique traditions and customs that are well worth experiencing.

With the D day just around the corner, I wish all friends, colleagues, and connections who celebrate a happy Eid ul-Fitr! Happy Eid Mubarak!

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