Editorial photo #10976322 Economy, Business and Finance

The Milkfish Market Ahead Chinese New Year

Milkfish vendors are opening makeshift stalls along the Rawa Belong roadside in Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 8, 2024, as the Chinese New Year, locally known as Imlek, approaches. Both 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. The presence of processed milkfish on the table is a tradition that the Betawi and Chinese communities of Rawa Belong should never miss. This enduring habit is thanks to the long-practiced 'Nganter Bandeng' tradition by the Betawi people. For the ethnic Chinese, milkfish, which is full of thorns and symbolizes abundant fortune and prosperity, is a common food ingredient served during the 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)