Abdul Khalik, Jakarta – It is a moment for seeking and giving forgiveness, but for political figures, Idul Fitri has become an opportunity to gain public sympathy, win popularity and express political inclinations by holding an "open house".

During the holiday, people usually visit their elders, work superiors or powerful officials, with one's popularity rated by how many (and which) guests attend one's gathering.

The open house is an effort by political leaders to boost their popularity through a show of generosity and care for ordinary people.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, former president Megawati Soekarnoputri, Vice President and Golkar chairman Jusuf Kalla, former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid and many other party leaders all held an open house at their respective residences Wednesday, the first day of Idul Fitri.

At the Presidential Palace, Yudhoyono, First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, eldest son Agus Harimurti and his wife Anissa Pohan, and youngest son Edy Baskoro, welcomed political figures in the morning. In the afternoon, it was time for members of the general public, some of whom had waited since 8 a.m. outside the palace.

"I've been waiting to see the President for years. I just want to tell him to continue giving people jobs instead of cash," said Yulan, a visitor.

The three hours allocated for the open house were apparently not enough, with some 3,500 people already lined up to shake hands with the First Family. Some had to wait even longer before the President met them in the evening. On Thursday, Yudhoyono held another open house, this time at his private residence in Cikeas, Bogor regency.

Among Yudhoyono's VIP guests were Kalla and all the Cabinet ministers. The President and his deputy shared a warm hug, seemingly giving credence to Yudhoyono's announcement that the pair will run for reelection next year. Former Timor Leste prime minister Mari Alkatiri and his wife also visited Yudhoyono. Alkatiri managed to chat with the President for 10 minutes, after queuing for even longer.

The surprise of the day, however, was the arrival of Gus Dur. Arriving on a wheelchair, Gus Dur shook hands with Yudhoyono and his family as though all the tension and anger of the past months had disappeared.

Gus Dur has repeatedly accused Yudhoyono of helping National Awakening Party (PKB) chairman Muhaimin Iskandar topple him from the party he established, in a bid to prevent him from running for president.

At Kalla's open house Wednesday, former Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung paid a visit. Golkar stalwart and House of Representatives' Speaker Agung Laksono, as well as deputy Constitutional Court chairman Jimly Asshidiqqie showed their political bent by visiting Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati and her husband Taufik Kiemas, adding to speculation that both are keen on becoming Megawati's running mate.

"Why does a Golkar (figure) come here when you have agreed to a coalition (with Yudhoyono)?" Taufik teased Agung as they shook hands.