It doesn't realize that the month of Ramadan will soon be over. Approaching Eid, most Indonesian people will carry out an annual ritual. Especially if it's not going home! Mudik is one of the annual rituals that many people do, especially those who migrate outside the area.
So, what do we need to know about going home? Let's discuss more in this one article!
What is Mudik?
The term mudik is one of the terms that is often used to describe the activities of someone returning to their hometown to celebrate a big celebration day. However, do you know what mudik is?
According to Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Anthropologist Prof. Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra, the word mudik comes from the Malay word udik. This word means upstream or end, where in the past the Malay people who lived upstream of the river often traveled downstream by boat or biduk and then they would return to their place of origin in the afternoon.
Along with the development of the times, the word mudik is increasingly used and increasingly maintained. According to Prof. Heddy, the term mudik has become widely known since the 1970s, to be precise when there was construction in the center of big cities, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, and Medan.
This rapid growth has had a significant influence on the urbanization that has occurred. Many people are looking for work or living in cities, so they are separated by distance from family and relatives in the village. Then, these people will return to their hometown before the celebration of a big day, for example during Eid al-Fitr.
If examined linguistically, according to the Big Indonesian Dictionary, the word mudik has two meanings. First, the word mudik means sailing, going to the village (upstream of the river, inland). Second, the word going home is a conversational language whereas in the dictionary this word is written v cak which means returning to one's hometown.
In short, the term mudik can be interpreted as the return of someone from one place (generally a city) to their place of origin during the celebration of a big day. In Indonesia, mudik is generally done by private vehicles or public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes.
The Purpose of Mudik
Mudik Illustration | Source: BFI Finance Digital Assets
Mudik is an Indonesian tradition that is often carried out on holidays or other holidays, for example ahead of Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, and New Year celebrations.
However, what is the true purpose of going home?
1. Moments of hospitality or family togetherness
2. It is a tradition or part of Indonesian culture that is routinely carried out every year
3. An opportunity for workers to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the world of work.
4. Become one of the self-showcases, including showing off success in overseas areas.
Differences Mudik and Homecoming
At first glance, the terms mudik and homecoming (pulang kampung) seem the same. In fact, both have different meanings, you know! Here are some of the differences that exist between going home and returning home.
Reporting to detiknews.com through the presentation of one of the lecturers and researchers at the University of Indonesia (UI), DR. Rahmawati's review said mudik and homecoming are two different terms.
In practice, mudik is a tradition of migrants who return to their hometowns at least once a year and generally coincides with the celebration of religious days. Meanwhile, homecoming can be done at any time, not just once a year.
Tips for Safe and Secure Mudik A la BFI Finance
Just counting fingers to a Fitri day. So that your mudik trip can go according to plan, make sure you follow the following BFI Finance safe and secure mudik tips!
1. Make Sure the House is in A Safe Condition
Mudik is a traveling activity that can be said to take a long time. Therefore, make sure to leave your residence in a safe condition.
Unplug all cables and electricity including gas stoves. Turn off the water faucets, make sure the doors and windows are tightly locked, and if possible you can also report to neighbors or complex security guards so that your house is always under surveillance.
2. Bring Equipment and Necessities During the Trip
The second tip is to bring equipment and necessities during the trip. Make sure you bring equipment and necessities during the trip. Starting from food, medicines, vitamins, cleaning tools, and so on.
So that not a single item is left behind, you can make a list of luggage and check it regularly before leaving and when you are going back to overseas areas.
3. Choose the Right Route and Time
If you are going home with a private vehicle, choose a time and route with fewer traffic conditions at certain hours. To find out, you can update us regarding the latest traffic conditions through social media and other media.
Most importantly, make sure to get enough rest before your trip. Don't let your stamina decrease, let alone get sleepy while traveling.
4. Communicate Your Mudik Plans With Your Family
Tell your family or those you are going to visit about the day and time of arrival so they can know about the trip and estimated arrival. In addition, by informing others about your mudik plans you can avoid bad things that might happen while traveling.
5. Use Safe Transportation
If you plan to go home by public transportation, make sure to choose safe and reliable transportation!
Likewise, if you plan to go home using a private vehicle. Make sure the vehicle you are going to use has checked its condition before you use it. You can also take it to a service center first to make sure everything is under control.
6. Continue to Comply with Health Protocols
Lastly, don't forget to comply with health protocols, OK? Make sure to use a mask and bring spare masks, hand sanitizers, and other health protocol equipment. Don't let your guard down and get sick, OK?
For more details regarding mudik and safety tips, you can watch this video!
BFI friends, this is the discussion about mudik that you need to know. Celebration of holidays once a year and going home are two things that cannot be separated. Even so, make sure you go home safely so that you arrive safely at your destination.
If you need additional funds for holiday celebrations or other needs, don't hesitate to apply for financing from BFI Finance!
BFI Finance is a company that provides multi-purpose loans with guarantees for motorbike bpkb, car bpkb, and house or shophouse certificates