Tjhia Family House

Traces of Chinese Civilization Heritage: The Complete History of Tjhia Family House in Singkawang

Rumah Keluarga Tjhia is more than just an old building standing strong amidst the hustle and bustle of Singkawang City, West Kalimantan. Located on Jalan Tradisional (now Jalan Budi Utomo), this historical site is a living monument that records the migration, economic success, and cultural assimilation of the Chinese community in the land of Borneo. As one of the most important cultural heritage sites in the City of a Thousand Temples, Rumah Keluarga Tjhia offers a deep narrative about how a family dynasty built its influence from the colonial era to the modern age.

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Origins and Establishment: The Footsteps of Tjhia Hiap Seng

The history of Rumah Keluarga Tjhia is rooted in the figure of Tjhia Hiap Seng, an immigrant from Fujian, China, who came to West Kalimantan in the mid-19th century. His arrival was part of a large wave of Chinese migration attracted by the potential of gold mining in the Monterado region and its surroundings. However, instead of staying in the declining mining sector, Tjhia Hiap Seng chose the path of trade and plantations.

The construction of this house complex began in 1901 and was completed around 1902. Its location was strategically chosen on the banks of the Singkawang River, which was then the lifeline for the transportation of goods and people. Tjhia Hiap Seng built this house not only as a residence for his descendants but also as an operational center for his export-import business, which included commodities like rubber, copra, and pepper. Tjhia Hiap Seng's economic success made him one of the respected and esteemed figures by both the Dutch Colonial Government and the local community.

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Architecture: Harmony of Chinese Typology and Tropical Adaptation

Architecturally, Rumah Keluarga Tjhia is an extraordinary example of the modified "Si He Yuan" style, or a closed courtyard house. The complex stands on an area of approximately 5,000 square meters, consisting of two main buildings separated by a spacious central courtyard.

The building structure is dominated by the use of belian wood (ironwood), known for its exceptional strength and resistance to Kalimantan's extreme weather. The roof is a saddle shape with distinctive "swallowtail" ornaments on the ridge, reflecting the social strata of its affluent owners. One of its technical unique features is the wooden joinery system without nails (pantek) that has endured to this day.

Although deeply rooted in Southern Chinese architectural style, there are significant local adaptations. The ceilings are high for air circulation in the hot tropical climate, and large windows allow natural light to enter the rooms. Inside the house, the spatial division follows traditional hierarchy: the front section for receiving guests, the middle section for the ancestral altar, and the back section for the family's private areas.

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Historical Significance and Role in the Community

Rumah Keluarga Tjhia plays an important role in the historical development of Singkawang City. During the Dutch colonial period, this house often served as a meeting place for international traders and colonial officials. This indicates that the Tjhia family functioned as an economic bridge between the interior of Kalimantan and the international market through the port of Singkawang.

During the Japanese occupation, the complex experienced difficult times but remained standing thanks to the solidarity of the extended Tjhia family. Its historical value is further strengthened as this house is a silent witness to Singkawang's evolution from a small port into a cosmopolitan trading city. Here, Chinese traditions were strictly maintained, from Chinese New Year celebrations to ancestral worship rituals performed daily at the main altar.

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Notable Figures and Cultural Heritage

Besides Tjhia Hiap Seng as the founder, subsequent generations have continued to maintain the existence of this house. The presence of the Tjhia clan in Singkawang is synonymous with generosity and social contribution. They played a role in the development of public facilities in the surrounding areas, including supporting the operations of old temples in Singkawang.

One unique fact is that Rumah Keluarga Tjhia is still inhabited by the direct descendants of Tjhia Hiap Seng down to the seventh generation. This makes it one of the oldest family homes in Indonesia that still functions as a residence and a living museum. The presence of "Choi Pan" (a typical Singkawang delicacy) sold in the backyard by family descendants also adds to its charm, connecting historical heritage with local gastronomy.

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Preservation and Cultural Heritage Status

Aware of its invaluable historical significance, the Singkawang City Government and the Center for Cultural Heritage Preservation (BPCB) have designated Rumah Keluarga Tjhia as a Cultural Heritage Site. Conservation efforts are carried out with great care to maintain the authenticity of the building materials. The belian wood, over a century old, is preserved, while repainting is done with traditional colors that do not diminish its antique impression.

The restaurant and public areas managed by the family within the complex are adaptation strategies to keep this historical site relevant and self-sustaining for its maintenance. Visitors can not only see the building but also experience the atmosphere of past Chinese family life through old photographs, antique furniture, and family genealogies displayed on the walls of the main rooms.

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Cultural and Religious Significance

This house also functions as a spiritual center for the extended Tjhia family. In the central hall, there is a grand ancestral altar with the sinci (name tablets) of the predecessors. The Ceng Beng (grave pilgrimage) ritual and daily worship are still performed from generation to generation. For the wider Singkawang community, Rumah Keluarga Tjhia is a symbol of harmony and cultural resilience. It is proof of how Chinese ethnic identity can grow alongside Malay and Dayak cultures in West Kalimantan, creating what is now known as the spirit of Singkawang's tolerance.

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Conclusion

Rumah Keluarga Tjhia is not just a pile of wood and stone. It is a manifestation of hard work, family values, and the long history of Chinese diaspora in the Nusantara. With its magnificent architecture and the stories held within every corner of its rooms, this house will continue to be a historical beacon for future generations who wish to learn about the roots of Singkawang City's identity. Preserving Rumah Keluarga Tjhia means preserving a piece of collective memory about the glory of trade and the depth of culture in the land of Borneo.