Tjong A Fie Mansion

Tjong A Fie Mansion: A Gem of Architecture and a Symbol of Medan's Historical Harmony

Tjong A Fie Mansion, also known as Rumah Tjong A Fie, stands majestically on Jalan Ahmad Yani, Kesawan, as a silent witness to the glorious past of Medan City. This two-story building is not merely a residence but a historical monument representing cultural assimilation, economic prosperity, and the extraordinary benevolence of a figure who was once the most influential person in North Sumatra in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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Origins and the Legendary Figure of Tjong A Fie

The construction of this mansion began in 1895 and was completed in 1900. The figure behind this grandeur was Tjong A Fie (1860–1921), an immigrant from Meixien, Guangdong, China, who arrived in Medan with nothing at the age of 18. Thanks to his hard work, business acumen, and diplomatic skills, he grew into a successful plantation entrepreneur who dominated the rubber, tea, and tobacco commodities.

Tjong A Fie's career reached its peak when he was appointed by the Dutch colonial government as Majoor der Chinezen (Chinese Mayor), the highest administrative position for Chinese citizens in Medan. He was known as a multicultural figure highly respected not only by the Chinese community but also by the Sultanate of Deli, the Dutch government, and other Malay and indigenous communities. This residence was built as a symbol of prosperity and a center for social and diplomatic activities in the heart of the Kesawan area.

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Architecture: A Fusion of Three Cultures in One Structure

One of the main unique features of Tjong A Fie Mansion lies in its eclectic architectural style. The building is a harmonious blend of Chinese, European (Victorian), and Malay styles. The building covers an area of approximately 8,000 square meters with a total of 35 rooms, each with a specific function.

1. Chinese Touches: These are very dominant in the main gate, the wood carvings on doors and windows, and the presence of a courtyard in the center of the house designed according to Feng Shui principles. This open area serves for air circulation and natural lighting, while also symbolizing good fortune flowing into the house.

2. European Elements: Dutch colonial influence and Victorian style are evident in the use of floor tiles imported directly from Italy and Belgium, the sturdy large columns, and the tall windows with colorful stained glass. The furniture inside the house also reflects the aristocratic European lifestyle of that era.

3. Malay Nuances: Adaptation to the tropical climate and respect for local culture are seen in the use of wood materials and ventilation designs that allow air to flow freely, similar to a modified traditional Malay stilt house concept.

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Historical Significance and Important Events

Tjong A Fie Mansion was not just a private home but a hub for Medan's economic activities. It was within this building that major decisions regarding the city's infrastructure development were made. Tjong A Fie himself was a key figure behind the construction of the Grand Mosque of Medan (Masjid Raya Al-Mashun), Immanuel Church (Gereja Immanuel), and other places of worship in Medan. He was the one who financed the construction of the bell tower at the old Medan City Hall.

The living room on the ground floor was divided into several sections based on the visitors. There was a special reception room for Dutch officials, a reception room for the Sultan of Deli and Malay nobles, and a reception room for the general public. This demonstrates the fluidity of social relationships built by Tjong A Fie amidst the racial segregation of the colonial era.

Another unique historical fact is that this house once served as a shelter and coordination center for aid during disasters or food crises in the East Sumatra region. Tjong A Fie instructed that the doors of his house always be open to those in need of help, regardless of their ethnic background.

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Interior and Stunning Construction Details

Upon entering the second floor, visitors will find a grand hall known as the Ballroom. This room was once used for dances and formal gatherings with international guests. The floor is made of high-quality teak wood that is still well-maintained today. The walls are adorned with original family photographs, providing a visual glimpse into social life in Medan during the Belle Époque era.

The building's ceilings are decorated with hand-painted motifs of flowers and dragons, created by artists brought directly from China. Small details such as brass doorknobs, original crystal chandeliers, and silk-draped beds in the master bedroom indicate the extraordinary level of luxury in its time.

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Preservation, Restoration, and Heritage Site Status

After Tjong A Fie's death in 1921, the mansion remained inhabited by his descendants. However, over time, some parts of the building suffered damage due to age and the tropical climate. In 2009, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Tjong A Fie's birth, the house was officially opened to the public as a museum and historical site.

Restoration efforts were carried out with great care to preserve the authenticity of the materials. The family, now managing the Tjong A Fie Foundation, is committed to maintaining every detail of the building to remain as it was when first built. The Medan City Government has also designated this building as a Cultural Heritage Building protected by law.

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Cultural and Educational Value Today

For the people of North Sumatra, Tjong A Fie Mansion is a symbol of the motto "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" (Unity in Diversity) practiced long before Indonesia's independence. The presence of an ancestral worship altar at the back of the house shows Tjong A Fie's adherence to Confucian traditions, while his contributions to the construction of mosques and churches demonstrate a very high level of religious tolerance.

Today, Tjong A Fie Mansion is a major historical tourist destination in Medan. Visitors are not only invited to admire the architectural grandeur but also to learn about the values of integrity, generosity, and hard work. Every corner of this house holds stories of how an immigrant was able to change the face of a city and leave a legacy that transcends time.

As a "House of History," Tjong A Fie Mansion continues to stand tall amidst modern buildings, reminding the people of Medan of their roots as a cosmopolitan city built on a foundation of diversity and inter-ethnic collaboration.