Tjong Yong Hian

Tjong was born under the name Tjong Yu Nam (spelled in Hakka Chinese, traditional Chinese: 張爵幹; simplified Chinese: 张爵干; pinyin: Zhāng Juégàn) from the Hakka lineage in Guangdong (formerly known as Canton) in 1850. He was the second of six brothers and one sister, also known as Zhang Rongxuan and Zhang Yu Nan, and finally known as Tjong Yong Hian (spelled in Hakka Chinese).

In 1867, he migrated from China to Indonesia, departing through the port of Shantou sailing across the South China Sea. After 21 days, he landed in Batavia (present-day Jakarta), at the age of 17.

In 1870, Tjong established a trading company called N.V. Wan Yun Chong. His business grew rapidly, investing in real estate and shipping, as well as agricultural plantations such as sugarcane, tobacco, rubber. He worked closely with his former employer in Batavia, Cheong Fatt Tze, to start a plantation company in Yogyakarta growing rubber, coconut, coffee, and tea. They acquired hundreds of square kilometers of land, including 8 rubber plantations and a tea processing factory, providing employment for thousands of people. Later, they collaboratively opened a Jogja Bank. With the help of his younger brother, Tjong A Fie, Tjong again invested in real estate in Medan, which is known as the Kesawan area. In 1907, the Tjong brothers founded the Bank Deli, in attempt to eliminate the monopoly of the Dutch East Indies Bank which had a complicated procedure for sending money to China by Chinese foreigners in Sumatra. His business spread to various parts of the world, with the largest capital in Southeast Asia at the time. The Tjong brothers again collaborated with Tjong Fatt Tze to establish two shipping companies in Batavia and Medan called Yi Chong and Fuk Guang.

Tjong was appointed by the Dutch as major and his younger brother Tjong A Fie was appointed as lieutenant. Tjong was highly respected by the Chinese community and Dutch government.

In 1904, Tjong received the highest award from the Netherlands for his dedication to the sacrifice of energy, thought, and time, for the success of a noble cause: dedication to carrying out noble ideals for humanity.

He contributed in the construction of the Great Mosque of Medan, the Hospital in Belawan, the Tian Hou Temple, and the Old Mosque in Gang Bengkok. Tjong exemplified how harmony between religious communities in ancient times could be shown by building houses of worship for every people, even if they differ in religion, race, and ethnicity.*

Tjong owned two banks. The first is Jogja Bank, a joint venture with his former employer, Tjong Bi Shi, and the second is the Bank Deli, jointly owned with his younger brother, Tjong A Fie, and other business partners.

The Medan City Government demonstrated its appreciation to the Tjong family — specifically Tjong Yong Hian for his participation and contribution in the construction and improvement of the city — by changing the name of Jalan Bogor back to Jalan Tjong Yong Hian, as well as erecting Tjong Yong Hian Park. The inauguration of the park was witnessed directly by Tjong's great-grandson and heir, Budihardjo Chandra (Tjong Foeng Kioen). Tjong Yong Hian Park, located in the heart of Medan, is the final resting place of Tjong and his wife. At the entrance gate is written Plush Flower Garden (Mao Rong Yuan), and after entering a few meters inside, above the green gated entrance, the park's name is written, Tjong Yong Hian Park.