Celebrating Acculturation at the Dining Table

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Indonesia is like celebrating acculturation. Dining tables remind us that Chinese New Year is about celebrating not only the New Year but also Indonesia’s diversity.

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO

Visitors take selfies at a spot adorned with Chinese New Year decorations in the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), South Jakarta, on Thursday (23/1/2020). The Lunar New Year, or Imlek 2571, falls on Saturday (25/1/2020).

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Indonesia is like celebrating acculturation. Various Chinese dishes with uniquely Indonesian tastes are served. Dining tables remind us that Chinese New Year is about celebrating not only the New Year but also Indonesia’s diversity.

Joy is pretty much everywhere in every town in West Kalimantan. Thousands of lanterns are put up and various shows are being prepared. Furthermore, various wonderful culinary fusions are served for the Chinese New Year.