"Mudik", between Need and Desire

When will you be "mudik" (homecoming)? "Mudik" by what? That is a classic question raised ahead of the post-fasting Lebaran festivities in early July. The annual question raised among fellow "mudikers" is always echoed through social media or directly spoken in a "gethok tular" (word of mouth) way. They communicate with each other for the sacred agenda called a joint "mudik" to their beloved hometowns.

The "mudik" ritual always begins and ends with a great effort. Even though the risk is great, to the point of staking one's life, the "mudik" ritual is always attracting loyal wanderers and migrants.

The "mudik" is intended to refresh energy that has been consumed by life.

The need of mudik

The celebration of Idul Fitri is about missing parents, other relatives, friends and others.

"Mudik" has a romantic aspect expressed by the strengthening of warm friendships and the act of forgiving each other. The classic ritual, which involves the shaking of hands, constitutes an antidote for a feeling of longing and so requires a physical meeting. The transfer of positive energy between the homecoming visitors and those being visited cannot be replaced by anything.

Lust of desire

All agree that the phenomenon of a pure homecoming is difficult to find in the world.

However, when the pure homecoming ritual is formatted in the context of desire, homecoming travelers are trapped by a consumptive lifestyle.

Therefore the "mudik" ritual, which initially involves friendship, is now contaminated by desire and are seduced by global capitalism to become a nation of consumers.

When the travellers return to their hometowns, they are demonstrating their social status as successful migrants because most "mudikers" work away from home, they display the wealth they gathered from their hard work.

This is done to show themselves as being human beings who have managed to conquer the world. For the sake of completing the show as successful migrants and be so recognized by the people in their home towns, they always buy whatever is offered by capitalist producers.

The "mudikers" look very satisfied when their parents, relatives and neighbors recognize them as successful persons. Behind all of this, the "mudikers" also act as agents of global capitalism, which is permissive, artificial and consumptive.

The simple life

Slowly but surely, the "mudikers" as agents of global capitalism will transform the villages into cities. Local wisdom disappears. Local diversity vanishes. All appear in uniform under the power of the trendsetter. What is acknowledged as great is to have a modern, urban touch. Meanwhile, those staying at home are considered backward.

Must this be so? The things that have to avoided are the efforts to direct all of humanity's energy toward idolizing material things. "Mudik" actually reminds us of the teachings of our ancestors. Filling life is like the old adage of "mampir ngombe" (stopping to have a drink). The duration of life in the universe is only a moment.

Therefore, in order to obtain a balance between material and spiritual needs, we have to constantly learn how to live life in a simple way. Act wisely in whatever situation and toward anyone. All of this is done by learning continuously to harmonize thoughts and a sense of reasoning.

oleh Sumbo Tinarbuko

source Kompas, Thursday, June 30, 2016
Indonesian version can be found at here