SariWangi Mobil Mudik 2011: Silaturahmi Lebih Lama, Lebih Bermakna

Jakarta, July 7, 2011 – During that uniquely sacred time of the holy month Ramadhan and Aidil Fitr, one of the moments awaited by most Indonesians is the opportunity to rebond with their families and relatives during their mudik to their hometowns. Gathering with families and relativesduring mudik is the perfect moment to apologize to each other, mingle, and create moments of togetherness.

Through face-to-face gatherings, individuals return to basic communication. The entire range of expressions of happiness, affection, and longing can be interpreted instinctively through both remarks and body language. Nowadays, although interpersonal communication between people separated by time and distance can be accommodated by various gadgets which enable two-ways communication, messages delivered face-to-face simply cannot replaced.

Novia Sukmawaty, Brand Manager of SariWangi explains, “Being acutely aware of the importance of face-to-face visits and their impact on harmonious communication between couples andIndonesian families during mudik, we are conducting the SariWangi Mobil Mudik 2011 program for its sixth time to encourage family bonds to become tighter and filled with warmth. We give the opportunity to have a safe and comfortable mudik over a longer period – this time 10 days for 100 families from 10 big cities in Indonesia.”

SariWangi Mobil Mudik 2011 sets couples and Indonesian families up with comfortable vehicles, professional drivers, free gasoline, and rest spots along their mudik trip routes, all of which is designed to enable family members to communicate more actively and effectively, from the preparation for, during and after mudik, when they return home.

Dr. Nina M. Armando, M.Si,Communications Lecturer for the Department of Sociology and Politics at the University of Indonesia explains,“Face-to-face communication functions better and more effectively since each individual can observe the situation during the communication process. Feelings of happiness, boredom, anger, or sadness can be adjusted based on the situation while communicating. Therefore, face-to-face communication is more effective when aiming for closeness in relationships.”

Dr. Nina also elaborated that in this modern era, communication can be conducted anytime and anywhere with technological devices available. However, during family gatherings, face-to-face communication moments occur that are irreplaceable in meaning and value because of their effectiveness to strengthen relationships. When communicating face-to-face, you can express yourself totally; either through voice intonations, facial expressions, or touch to deliver your message. The other persons you are speaking with can also understand you better. Therefore, the communication created will be more meaningful.

“SariWangi Mobil Mudik (SWMM) 2011 is intentionally made to create more sustained and meaningful face-to-face family gathering moments. Next, effective communication between couples and the entire family with loved ones can be built and the bonds strengthened with one another,” adds Novia.

As a form of appreciation to SariWangi’s faithful consumers, the SWMM 2010 program is equipping selected families with a variety of special facilities to ensure their comfort throughout their mudik. Each car is equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS), which means that the locations of the mudik participants can be detected, thus enabling the drivers and this year’s winning families to be aware of each others’ locations. Besides that, the cars are provided with lightweight fire extinguishers or Alat Pemadam Api Ringan (APAR), sound systems, blankets and cushions; some cars are also equipped with child seats for toddlers, and of course thermos and SariWangi tea for warmth along the road.