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The Milkfish Market Ahead Chinese New Year

A milkfish vendor is selling fish in Rawa Belong, Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 8, 2024. As the Chinese New Year, also known as Imlek, approaches, many vendors are setting up temporary stalls along the roadside in Rawa Belong. Both the Betawi and Chinese communities are purchasing milkfish to observe the 'Nganter Bandeng' tradition before the Chinese New Year. The celebration is a significant event in Jakarta. For the Betawi and Chinese communities in Rawa Belong, having processed milkfish on the table is an essential part of the festivities. This practice continues due to the long-standing 'Nganter Bandeng' tradition among the Betawi people. For the ethnic Chinese, milkfish, which is known for its many bones, is a traditional food served during the New Year celebrations and symbolizes prosperity. The milkfish brought to the market are fresh and unprocessed. The tradition has evolved with cultural intermarriage, leading the Chinese in Jakarta to also adopt the 'nganter' tradition as an expression of thankfulness and a spirit of sharing. This market has become a symbol of cultural harmony between the Betawi community and the ethnic Chinese. (Photo by Afriadi Hikmal/NurPhoto)

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