Editorial photo #7709238 Human Interest

The Milkfish Market Ahead Chinese New Year

Milkfish weighed in Rawa Belong, Jakarta on 30 January 2022. Nearing the Chinese New Year, locally known as Imlek, many milkfish vendors have opened makeshift stalls along the Rawa Belong roadside. The Betawi community and Chinese community buy milkfish for the "Nganter Bandeng" tradition ahead of Chinese New Year. The Chinese New Year is a big event in Jakarta. Another thing that the Betawi community of Rawa Belong and Chinese community should never miss is the presence of processed milkfish on the table. This habit is enduring thanks to the tradition of "Nganter Bandeng" which has been practiced by the Betawi people for a long time. For ethnic Chinese, milkfish is one of the food ingredients usually served during Chinese New Year celebrations. Milkfish which has many thorns actually symbolizes abundant fortune / prosperity. The milkfish that were brought were not in processed form. However, it is still a fresh, raw whole fish. The tradition then developed when there was a cultural marriage which made Chinese people in Jakarta also perpetuate the "nganter" tradition as a manifestation of gratitude and the spirit of sharing. This milkfish market become a symbol of cultural harmony among Betawi community and ethnic Chinese. (Photo by Afriadi Hikmal/NurPhoto)