Tjong A Fie

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.

Tjong was born under the name Tjong Fung Nam (spelled in Hakka Chinese, traditional Chinese: 張鴻南; simplified Chinese: 张鸿南; pinyin: Zhāng Hóngnán) from the Hakka lineage in Guangdong (formerly known as Canton) at year 1860. He was also known as Tjong Yiauw Hian, and later in his life finally known as Tjong A Fie (spelled in Hakka Chinese, traditional Chinese: 張阿輝; simplified Chinese: 张阿辉; pinyin: Zhāng Āhūi) .

He came from a poor family. With his brother, Tjong Yong Hian, Tjong left school and helped in running his father's shop. Although he only had a brief education, Tjong knew the ways of trading and made his family's business successful.

Tjong decided to travel to the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) to seek a better life. At 1875, Tjong A Fie came to Medan and decided to settle down. He was only 18 years old at that time. With little money, he decided to follow his brother, Tjong Yong Hian, who stayed in Medan for five years. At that time, his brother was already a notable leader in Medan.

Tjong was a prominent figure in the development of Medan, as seen through the construction of various buildings utilized by the citizens of Medan past and present. These buildings include Tjong A Fie's Mansion, located in Ahmad Yani Street near the Kesawan area, the Old Mosque or sometimes known as Gang Bengkok Old Mosque, and the clock tower of Medan City Hall, which is located in the intersection between Radan Saleh Street and Kesawan.

At year 1911, Tjong was appointed as Kapitan Cina (Majoor der Chineezen) to lead the Tionghoa community in Medan, replacing his brother, Tjong Yong Hian. Tjong was a highly respected person; he was also a master of the economics and politics of Medan. His business kingdom covered banks, railroads, plantations, which included palm oil plants and sugar plants.

While he carried out his duties as a Kapitan, Tjong succeeded in developing his individual business and the city of Medan. One of those developments included building the Kesawan Bank as a forerunner for financial security in Medan. The construction of educational facilities, hospitals, houses of worship and other public facilities has made Tjong as an incredibly influential figure in Medan. These developmental projects were supported by the close relationship of Tjong with the Sultanate of Deli, the ruler of the Land Deli (also known as Medan) at the time.