Mudik Lebaran from jakarta post

A much better "mudik" experience

The most precious time of the year for Muslims in Indonesia is when celebrations for Idul Fitri take place.

During mudik (exodus) ahead of the Islamic festivities, Indonesians use all types of transportation modes available to return to their hometowns and gather with their families and loved ones.
 
Many improvements in transportation were made for this year’s mudik after all stakeholders from the government and authorities to the public learned from mistakes in the previous exodus.

Traffic jam and accident rates are lower this year due to improvements in road infrastructure and highway access.

Nevertheless, the authorities remain on high alert as they look to ensure safety. A string of terror attacks that took place ahead of the Ramadhan fasting month is the main reason why security personnel everywhere have chosen to remain vigilant and not take any chances.
The hard work of everyone in keeping mudik safe is worth it, as seen in the smiles of the children who celebrate Idul Fitri with their parents. 

May everyone enjoy the traditional dishes of ketupat and opor ayam during their reunions
back home. Happy Idul Fitri

 http://www.thejakartapost.com/multimedia/2018/06/16/a-much-better-mudik-experience.html?
 http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2018/06/13/couples-suicide-notes-reveal-stigma-they-face-in-india.html

The suicide of a  couple who jumped into a river and drowned highlights the hidden struggles of gay women in India, who are subjected to 'correctiverape' cures and family pressure to marry.

The women left suicide notes before killing themselves.

A police officer (who) declined to give his name as he was not authorised to speak to the media.


He refused to confirm whether one woman also threw her toddler into the river, as reported by local media, which quoted the notes as saying, "We are leaving this world to live with each other. The world did not allow us to stay together".

It is more common to hear about their committing suicide than other members of  community.


"They live a far worse life than  men, a much tougher life, because there is largely more acceptance of male.


There is no official data on India's population, but the government estimates some 2.5 million  people.

They face a life of double discrimination -


Although the law is rarely enforced, it is used to intimidate, harass, and blackmail  people.

They often face violence, brutality and even death.

Such rapes are seldom reported as they are often carried out by husbands, brothers and fathers in a bid to 'cure' them.