Stories from Deli

The Chinese Major in Medan, Deli, has had a career of public service in Netherlands India upon which he may justly look back with pride. Having early won the confidence of the Dutch Government, and being given authority by them, he has been able to do much in a variety of ways to improve the condition of the poorer classes of his fellow countrymen.

By the Chinese, he is respected and regarded as a leader, whilst the Government on their part have not been slow to recognise the good work he has accomplished. In 1904 they presented him with a gold medal, a token of their appreciation, which it may be well imagined Mr. Tjong Jong Hian prizes very highly.

Born in Kainchew (Canton) in 1855, Mr. Tjong Jong Hian left China for Batavia as soon as he had completed his education. In Batavia he was engaged in various occupations, including for a time that of a licensed pawnbroker, and in 1877, at the early age of twenty-two years, he was appointed by Government head of the Chinese community in Onrust.

Leaving Java for Sumatra in 1880, he was, four years later, chosen Lieutenant of Chinese in Medan. In 1893 he was promoted captain, and five years afterwards attained his present rank. Mr. Tjong is a member of the Supreme Court (Landraad) and of the Cultuur raad, Medan, and it is interesting to note that he has served under no less than nine Residents.

The Chinese Captain, Tjong A Fee has been closely associated with the Major in carrying out his philanthropic work, and, together, the brothers have subscribed the money for building a hospital, a Chinese temple, a club, and cemetery in the town. A shrewd businessman, Mr. Tjong Jong Hian is the sole proprietor of a well-known firm Chong Lee and the owner of a sago plantation and factory, and a rubber estate, both of which are situated in Samajin, Kedah. He is also a director of the ” Deli Bank ” and of the ” Tjau San Tek Loo,” a Chinese railway company with lines running between Swatow and Tjau Tjoe Hoe, of which Mr. Tjong Jong Hian’s son, Mr. Tjong Hau Liong, who holds the rank of Taotai, and is sometimes known as Tjong Poe Tjiong, is the acting director. Mr. Tjong Jong Hian possesses considerable property in and around Medan, a summer house at Petisah, sur rounded by charming gardens, and two other large and beautifully furnished residences.