Editorial photo #10976314 Economy, Business and Finance

The Milkfish Market Ahead Chinese New Year

A man is cleaning milkfish in Rawa Belong, Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 8, 2024. As the Chinese New Year, locally known as Imlek, approaches, many milkfish vendors are opening makeshift stalls along the Rawa Belong roadside. The Betawi community and the Chinese community are buying milkfish for the 'Nganter Bandeng' tradition ahead of the Chinese New Year, which is a significant event in Jakarta. Both the Betawi community of Rawa Belong and the Chinese community are ensuring the presence of processed milkfish on their tables, a practice that has endured due to the long-standing tradition of 'Nganter Bandeng'. For the ethnic Chinese, milkfish, which has many thorns and symbolizes abundant fortune and prosperity, is a common food ingredient served during the Chinese New Year celebrations. The milkfish brought to the market are fresh, raw, and whole. The tradition has evolved with cultural intermarriage, leading the Chinese people in Jakarta to also adopt the ''nganter'' tradition as an expression of gratitude and the spirit of sharing. This milkfish market has become a symbol of cultural harmony between the Betawi community and the ethnic Chinese. (Photo by Afriadi Hikmal/NurPhoto)