Click image to zoom

The Milkfish Market Ahead Chinese New Year

A man cleaning milkfish in Rawa Belong, Jakarta on 19 January 2023. 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 Nganter Bandeng or Milkfish Gift tradition ahead of Chinese New Year. 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 'Nganter Bandeng' tradition as a manifestation of gratitude and the spirit of sharing ahead of Chinese New Year. This milkfish market become a symbol of cultural harmony among Betawi community and ethnic Chinese. (Photo by Afriadi Hikmal/NurPhoto)

Photo Details

Related Keywords