Inter-Race, Religion and Cultural Tolerance: The Spread of Buddhism Tjong Family in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia

This study aims to describe and understand inter-racial, cultural
and religious tolerance by Chang Hung Nan or Tjong Yiauw Hian or
better known as Tjong A. Fie (1860-1921) in Medan, North Sumatra,
Indonesia. In the plantation era (1863) until now, Medan was a
pluralistic and multicultural city. This city is called miniature Indonesia.
In this city there are 16 ethnic groups that reflect cultural heterogeneity,
namely Malay, Karo, Simalungun, Mandailing, Angkola, Pakpak, Toba,
Aceh, Minangkabau, Java, Banjar, Ambon, Arabic, India, Japan, China
and Europeans like the Netherlands, Belgium, United States, United
Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Poland and Czech. In addition,
there are different religions such as Islam, Methodists, Protestants,
Catholics, Hindus, Buddhists, Confucians and Pemena namely the
original Karo ethnic religion. Tjong is a Buddhist, originally from
China and plays a prominent role in Medan. Various titles were given
to him such as businessmen, leaders, billionaires, and philanthropists.
His attention to each ethnic and religious group was demonstrated
through donations for the construction of worship facilities (churches,
mosques, and temples), education, health, housing, and other public
facilities. He banned human slavery on plantations, banned human-drawn rickshaws, or suggested using the Malay language at the Medan
City of Council meeting. Tjong is a pioneer of inter-racial, religious and
cultural tolerance in Medan. This study was carried out qualitatively
with a historical approach. Data is collected through colonial archives
such as notes, reports, and photographs. In addition, in-depth interviews
were conducted with the Tjong family in Medan. The data are analyzed
with an in-depth description. The findings of the study are: (i) tolerance
is a virtue that has a core inter-racial, religious and cultural peace that
comes from practice and life success, (ii) the success of life becomes a
source of philanthropic attitudes to help others regardless of racial,
religious and cultural differences (iii) Tjong is the first public figure in
Medan to appreciate and develop tolerance.