JAKARTA, 02 September 2008 - Across many parts of Indonesia, families are having a close look at their budgets once again during the Islamic holy month of fasting, Ramadan. Rising food and fuel prices limit spending power for the festivities that are normally held when breaking the daily fast. The world's fourth largest country has seen rising costs in the lead-up to the month of fasting, putting those families hit hard by earlier price hikes of fuel under more pressure.

Prices for essentials such as eggs, meat and cooking oil surged in the week leading up to the start of Ramadan on Monday, as people stocked up for the feasts which end the dawn-to-dusk fasting period. Jakarta housewife Nina Handayani, 31, said her family would have to forsake traditional Ramadan treats so she could save money for basics like children's clothes. "No meat, no chicken dishes, just vegetables. And old clothes for me," she said. "I've saved enough for the children's new clothes. It may be hard times for us now but we won't drag our children along."

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