Click image to zoom

The Milkfish Market Ahead Chinese New Year

Milkfish are being weighed 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 and Chinese communities 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 is known for its many thorns, symbolizes abundant fortune and prosperity. The milkfish being brought here are not processed but are still fresh, raw whole fish. 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)

Photo ID	#10976321
Date Taken	8 February 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Afriadi Hikmal/NurPhoto
Category	Economy, Business and Finance
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Afriadi Hikmal/NurPhoto