Mustaqim Adamrah, Jakarta – Thousands of Jakartans queued Sunday to receive an Idul Fitri "gift" from new Governor Fauzi Bowo. However, the day almost ended in chaos, with many people claiming they did not receive money from the governor.

The head of the city's public relations bureau, Ari Budiman, said more than 3,500 people queued in front of the governor's home from 7 a.m. on Sunday.

People of all ages waited in line for the gates to be opened for two hours. Those waiting in line received one coupon each to be exchanged for an envelope containing Rp 50,000 (approximately US$5.50) when they greeted Fauzi.

Wearing a Muslim tunic and an embroidered black cap, Fauzi greeted his many guests with his wife Sri Hartati on schedule at 10 a.m.

"We gave the money as infaq, or charity, from myself and my family. And I didn't take the money from the city budget," said Fauzi.

"It is part of our responsibility as Muslims to give away part of what we earn to poor people who have the right to it, regardless how much we earn," he said.

At 12 p.m. when officers closed the gate to Fauzi's home, many of those still waiting in line became angry.

Suhemi, 55, and Eman, 42, from Kramat subdistrict, Central Jakarta, said they were frustrated by how long they had waited.

"I've been here since 10 a.m. but I didn't get any money," said Suhemi. My neighbors who arrived a few hours earlier than me received money."

Sumarni, 41, also from Kramat subdistrict, failed to receive money despite joining the queue early. I arrived here at 7 a.m. but I got nothing," she said.

After the gate was closed, officers instructed those still holding coupons to go to nearby Suropati Park where they handed out what was left. Many waiting for their share of the money were pushed and shoved.

In response to the situation unfolding outside his house, Fauzi said he asked the officers to make sure everyone received their share.

"Those who said they were left out probably just wanted more," he said, adding that those who received money had their fingers marked with ink.

On Saturday, Fauzi welcomed guests to his official residence on Jl. Taman Suropati in Central Jakarta, including state officials, ambassadors and a number of public figures.