Milkfish popular during 'Imlek'

JAKARTA: As Chinese-Indonesians celebrated Lunar New Year on Feb. 9, locally known as Imlek, fish mongers reported an increase in the sales of bandeng (milkfish) in the week leading to the festivities.

"Normally we only order between 20 to 30 kilograms a day from our suppliers," Sulaiman, a fish monger at Glodok market, West Jakarta, said on Tuesday. "But around Imlek, we ordered 100 kilograms."

"Those who celebrate the Chinese New Year prepare special dishes using milkfish," explained Entong, who also sells fish at Glodok, which is considered by many to be Jakarta's Chinatown.

Milkfish are sold at markets for around Rp 32,500 (US$3.50) per kilogram. --Antara