Tjong A Fie

Life & Legacy

Tjong A Fie, Majoor der Chinezen (1860–1921), or Tjong Yiauw Hian (spelled in Hakka Chinese dialect, traditional Chinese: 張耀軒; simplified Chinese: 张耀轩; pinyin: Zhāng Yàoxuān; Hakka Pha̍k-fa-sṳ: Chông Yeu Hian), birth name Zhang Hongnan (simplified Chinese: 张鸿南; traditional Chinese: 張鴻南; pinyin: Zhāng Hóngnán), was a Hakka Chinese businessman, banker and kapitan (Chinese major) who built a large plantation business in Sumatra, Indonesia. Tjong A Fie built his business that employed more than 10,000 labor workers. Because of his great success, he maintained a good relationship with the ruler of Deli, including the ninth Sultan of Deli, Sultan Ma'mun Al Rashid Perkasa Alamyah and Dutch authorities.
In 1911, Tjong A Fie was appointed as a Kapitan Cina (Majoor der Chineezen) or major of the Chinese community in Medan, replacing his deceased brother Tjong Yong Hian. As a leader of the community, he was well thought of and respected by people, because he was linked with economy and political systems of the city. His enterprises were invested in his palm oil and sugar cane plantations, as well as banks and railroads.