UNAIR NEWS – Eid gift money (THR) is something that is closely related to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr in Indonesia. THR is also synonymous with the tradition of exchanging used banknotes for new ones before giving them to relatives. It has become a culture in Indonesian society. As a result, new banknotes exchange services have sprung up as Eid al-Fitr approaches.

Djoko Adi Prasetyo Drs. Msi, Anthropology expert of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) comments on THR culture in Indonesia. He said that the tradition of giving money is believed to have originated from Middle Eastern culture, which was adopted by the Indonesian people.

THR origin

Djoko revealed that THR tradition history is not quite clear, it probably originated from the embodiment of almsgiving in Islamic teachings. He continued that the tradition cannot be separated from the process of cultural acculturation with Indonesian culture.

“Some historical records of the Mataram Islamic kingdom show that this culture was already in existence in the 16th to 18th centuries. Kings and nobles gave new money as gifts to their followers’ children during Eid. They distributed the new money as a form of gratitude. Especially in relation to their success in completing the fasting for a whole month,” said the lecturer of Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP).

Furthermore, Djoko explained that historical records revealed that the THR culture was first created during the cabinet era of Soekiman Wirjosandjojo of the Masyumi Party. The aim was to improve the welfare of the state apparatus. The tradition of giving new banknotes as a form of affection and brotherhood among families and relatives has been maintained to this day, Djoko continued.

Technological impact

Djoko also responded to the phenomena of shifting THR giving habits due to electronic money technology. According to him, although THR can now take the form of electronic money, this does not diminish the importance of symbols associated with purity and cleanliness, gratitude, respect, pride in sharing.

“We also have to understand that culture is not eternal. As long as there are people who support the culture, it will be preserved. In contrast, if the people who support the culture no longer support it, then it will be eroded and even destroyed,” Djoko concluded.

Author: Adinda Aulia Pratiwi

Editor: Yulia Rohmawati (RF/AP)