Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Bandeng Festival returned to West Jakarta on Monday (January 27), serving not only as a marketplace for bandeng fish but also as a celebration of traditions tied to the Lunar New Year.
Ahead the Lunar New Year and in honor of Jakarta’s 500th anniversary in 2025, the Jakarta Provincial Government hosted the “Rawa Belong Bandeng Festival”.
The event, held from January 27 to 28, 2024, took place on Jalan Sulaiman in Sukabumi Utara, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta. It was organized in collaboration with the Jakarta Community Association, Mohamad Husni Thamrin (Permata MHT), and the West Jakarta City Administration.
From the early morning hours, Jalan Sulaiman was bustling with vendors selling bandeng as part of the festival. Initiated by the Jakarta Provincial Government, the event was a nod to the city’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage.
Bandeng Tradition
Bandeng fish holds special significance for both the Betawi and Chinese communities especially during the celebration of the Lunar New Year.
The Bandeng festival giving rise to the long-standing tradition tied to Bandng fish, the nganter bandeng (Delivering bandeng) tradition, a practice cherished by the Betawi and Chinese communities.
According to Muhammad Kharis Syaifudin, Governance Officer of Sukabumi Utara, the tradition dates back to the 1960s.
“Every year since the 1960s, the Betawi community has had a tradition called nganter bandeng. Locals buy bandeng, cook it, and deliver it to their future in-laws, uncles, or aunts as a gesture of respect and goodwill,” explained Kharis during the festival on Monday (January 27), as reported by CNN Indonesia.
A Fusion of Betawi and Chinese Traditions
In Chinese culture, the word for fish (yu) in Mandarin sounds similar to the word for abundance or surplus. As a result, dishes featuring fish, including bandeng, are commonly served during Lunar New Year celebrations as a symbol of prosperity for the coming year.
For the Betawi community, bandeng symbolizes success and is considered an essential commodity. Ahead of Lunar New Year, the excitement extends beyond the Chinese community, with Betawi vendors selling various Lunar New Year goods, including bandeng.
Historically, Betawi men regarded gifting bandeng to their romantic partners or future in-laws as a must, often preparing and delivering the fish to strengthen relationships.
Preserving Tradition
The Rawa Belong Bandeng Festival aims to preserve the tradition of nganter bandeng while showcasing Jakarta’s vibrant and multicultural history. The event is also expected to boost tourism in the Rawa Belong area.
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The festival featured a variety of activities steeped in Betawi culture, including demonstrations of deboning bandeng, Betawi traditional dances, Gambang Kromong music performances, and a palang pintu (gate performance) by the Si Pitung Rawa Belong art group. The event also showcased the largest floral arch as a centerpiece attraction.
By showcasing Betawi and Chinese cultural elements, the Rawa Belong Bandeng Festival continues to reinforce Jakarta’s identity as a city of unity and diversity.
(Raidi/Agung)
