List of Chinese Indonesians

This is a list of notable Chinese Indonesians. It contains the names of various Chinese Indonesian figures, by both ethnicity and ancestry. The list is sorted by the first letter of their name and family name.

Academics

Arief Budiman, sociologist, professor at the University of Melbourne, formerly at Satya Wacana Christian University, and brother of Soe Hok Gie
Aggy Tjetje, Indonesian academician
Hadi Soesastro, economist, political scientist, founder and former executive director of Centre for Strategic and International Studies (Indonesia)
Indrawati Oey, food scientist
James Danandjaja, anthropologist
Jusuf Wanandi, political scientist
Leo Suryadinata, sinologist
Ong Hok Ham, historian
Tjan Tjoe Som, sinologist
Mely G. Tan, sociologist
Merlyna Lim, professor and Canada Research Chair
Soe Tjen Marching, academic, composer, and writer
Wang Gungwu, historian
Yohanes Surya, psychist and author

Activists

Aw Tjoei Lan, social activist, philanthropist, community leader, and founder of the charity organization Ati Soetji
Dede Oetomo, gender and LGBT rights activist
Lie Eng Hok, Indonesian independence activist and political prisoner, declared a Pioneer of Independence in 1959
Melki Sedek Huang, activist and sex offender; formerly served as chairman of the Student Executive Board at University of Indonesia
Phoa Keng Hek, social activist, founding president of Tiong Hoa Hwe Koan, and one of the founders of Institut Teknologi Bandung
Soe Hok Gie, activist
Thung Sin Nio, women's rights activist, physician, economist and politician
Yap Thiam Hien, human rights lawyer

Architect

Liem Bwan Tjie, pioneering figure of modern Indonesian architecture

Authors

Clara Ng, novelist
Kho Ping Hoo, short story writer and novelist
Khoe Trima Nio, short story writer and novelist
Kwee Kek Beng, journalist and writer
Kwee Tek Hoay, writer, important proponent of Tri-Dharma, credited with the publication of Dharma Moestika and a list of publications
Lie Kim Hok, teacher and writer who authored Tjhit Liap Seng and Malajoe Batawi
Lie Loan Lian Nio, translator of Chinese novels into Malay
Lie On Moy, translator of Chinese stories into Malay and journalist
Lie Sim Djwe, translator and novelist
Marga Tjoa, novelist
Mira W., novelist
Myra Sidharta, writer and academician
Nio Joe Lan, writer, journalist, and history teacher
Nyonya The Tiang Ek, real name Lie Djien Nio, writer, journalist and translator
Oen Tjhing Tiauw, writer, playwright, cultural activist and politician
Tan Boen Soan, writer and journalist
Tan Gin Ho, writer and associated with the influential Tan family of Cirebon
Tan Hong Boen, writer and translator
Tan Tjeng Nio, author of a book of Syair poems published in 1897
Thé Tjong-Khing, Dutch children's book artist, and author
The Liep Nio, writer
Thio Tjin Boen, journalist and author of Tjerita Oeij Se
Tio Ie Soei, writer and author of ''Sie Po Giok''

Beauty queens

Astrid Yunadi, contestant of Miss Indonesia 2011 and top 15 finalist of Miss World 2011
Ayu Gani, winner of Asia's Next Top Model (cycle 3)
Imelda Fransisca, contestant of Miss Indonesia 2005 and runner up Miss ASEAN 2005
Karenina Sunny Halim, half-American contestant of Miss Indonesia 2009
Kevin Lilliana, half-Sundanese contestant of Miss Indonesia International 2017 and winner of Miss International 2017
Kezia Warouw, contestant of Miss Universe Indonesia 2016 and top 13 finalist of Miss Universe 2016
Maria Selena, contestant of Miss Universe Indonesia 2011
Nadine Chandrawinata, actress, model, and contestant of Puteri Indonesia 2005
Natasha Mannuela Halim, contestant of Miss Indonesia 2016 and 2nd runner-up of Miss World 2016
Sandra Angelia, contestant of Miss Indonesia 2008
Sonia Fergina Citra, contestant of Miss Universe Indonesia 2018, top 10 finalist of Miss Oriental Tourism 2012, and contestant of Miss Universe 2018
Vania Larissa, contestant of Miss Indonesia 2013 and top 10 finalist of Miss World 2013

Businesspeople

Alexander Tedja, businessman, founder of Pakuwon Jati
Alim Markus, businessman, founder and owner of Maspion
Anthoni Salim, businessman and investor, current chairman of First Pacific
Andrew Darwis, entrepreneur and founder of Kaskus
Arsyad Rasjid, chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Bachtiar Karim, businessman and owner of Musim Mas
Boenjamin Setiawan, businessman and owner of Kalbe Farma
Burhan Uray, entrepreneur and philanthropist
Carlo Tabalujan, founder of PT Nestlé Indonesia, Danmotor Vespa and Kawasaki Motor Indonesia
Cherie Nursalim, vice chairman of Giti Corporation
Ciputra, philanthropist, founder of Ciputra Development, and Forbes 23rd richest Indonesian
Djoko Susanto, conglomerate and businessman, founder of AlfaCorp
Eddie Lembong, businessman and founder of Pharos Indonesia
Edwin Soeryadjaya, businessman and the owner of Saratoga Investment
Eka Tjandranegara, one of the founders and the current owner of Mulia Group
Eka Tjipta Widjaja, businessman and conglomerate, founder of Sinar Mas
Hary Tanoesoedibjo, founder of MNC Group and Perindo Party
James Riady, businessman, deputy chairman of the Lippo Group, a major Indonesian conglomerate
Jusuf Hamka, Chinese Muslim businessman and politician
Kan Keng Tjong, businessman and tycoon
Khouw Khe Hien, pioneering aviator
Kimun Ongkosandjojo, co-founder of Jamu Air Mancur
Liem Seeng Tee, businessman, founder of Sampoerna
Liem Sioe Liong, founder Salim Group and BCA
Leo Ko Guan, founder of SHI International Corp, the 3rd largest shareholder in Tesla, Inc.
Low Tuck Kwong, businessman, founder of Bayan Resources
Michael Bambang Hartono, founder of Djarum and owner of BCA
Mochtar Riady, founder of Lippo Group
Njoo Han Siang, pioneer of Indonesian banking and filming industry
Nyonya Meneer, businesswomen, founder of the Nyonya Meneer Jamu company
Oei Tiong Ham, business magnate and tycoon
Oei Tjie Sien, tycoon, founder of Kian Gwan
Prajogo Pangestu, business magnate, investor, philanthropist
Robert Budi Hartono, founder of Djarum and owner of BCA
Sofjan Wanandi, owner of Gemala Group
Sugianto Kusuma, business tycoon and owner of Agung Sedayu group.
Sukanto Tanoto, founder of Raja Garuda Mas International
Surya Wonowidjoyo, cigarette entrepreneur and founder of Gudang Garam
Susilo Wonowidjojo, cigarette entrepreneur and owner of Gudang Garam
Sutanto Djuhar, co-founder of Salim Group
Tahir, founder of Mayapada Bank
Tan Khoen Swie, publisher
Teddy Yip, founder of Macau Grand Prix
Tio Tek Hong, Colonial era businessman, pioneer of the Indonesian music recording industry and founder of the Tio Tek Hong store
Tjong A Fie, businessman and banker
Tjong Yong Hian, businessman
Tong Djoe, businessman
Tomy Winata, businessman and founder of Artha Graha Group
William Soeryadjaya, founder of Astra International
William Tanuwijaya, entrepreneur and founder of Tokopedia
Yap Goan Ho, translator and publisher

Criminals

Anton Medan, former crime boss
Djoko Tjandra, playboy, tycoon's heir and criminal
Eddy Tansil, businessman and runaway criminal

Economists

Christianto Wibisono, economics analyst
Thee Kian Wie, economic historian and founder of LIPI

Entertainers

Abimana Aryasatya, actor
Agnez Mo, singer-songwriter, record producer, composer, actress, presenter, rapper, author, businesswoman, dancer, model, and philanthropist
Ateng, comedian
Ayu Ting Ting, dangdut singer
Baim Wong, actor
Boy William, actor
Chelsea Olivia Wijaya, actress and model
Christian Sugiono, actor and model
Chrisye, singer
Clarine Clay, actress and writer
Daniel Mananta, presenter, model, and fashion designer
David Noah, musician, member of the band Noah
Deddy Corbuzier, presenter and magician
Didik Nini Thowok, dancer
Dion Wiyoko, presenter and actor
Eriska Rein, actor and model
Ernest Prakasa, comedian
Fendy Chow, model and actor
Fitria Yusuf, fashion model and writer
George Rudy, actor and presenter
Gisella Anastasia, actress, singer, and model
Glenn Alinskie, actor
Goh Soon Tioe, conductor, pedagogue, and violinist
Hamzah Sulaeman, actor
Heaven Tanudiredja, fashion designer
Henky Solaiman, actor, producer and screen writer
Hessel Steven, model and actor
Hoo Eng Djie, songwriter and poet
Ian Antono, Rock musician and songwriter, member of God Bless
Jahja Ling, conductor, music director
Jaya Suprana, businessman, head of Jamu Jago, comedian, composer, and musician
Jenny Tan, presenter
Joe Taslim, actor, model and martial artist
Julie Estelle, actress and model
Jonas Rivanno, actor and model
Kevin Liliana, actress and model
Kevin Lim, singer and songwriter
Leila Tong, actress
Lo Lieh, actor
Mariana Renata, actress and model
Melvis, Elvis impersonator
Mey Chan, singer
Morgan Oey, actor, singer
Natasha Wilona, actress
Nathan Hartono, singer
Nicky Astria, singer
Okan Kornelius, actor and model
Peter Sudarso, actor
Rafael Landry Tanubrata, singer, songwriter, dancer
Rich Brian, rapper, singer, record producer, and songwriter
Roy Kiyoshi, actor and television personality
Sandra Angelia, presenter and model
Sandra Dewi, actress and presenter
Saridjah Niung, also known as Ibu Sud, musician, teacher, radio announcer, playwright and batik artist
Shavlyne, actress
Shanice Margaretha, actress and model
Shindy Huang, actress and model
Sisca Kohl, internet celebrity
Stefan William, actor and singer
Tan De Seng, musician and artist, maestro of Karwitan
Tan Tjeng Bok, actor
Tan Tjoei Hock, journalist and director
Teguh Karya, director
Teguh Slamet Rahardjo, actor and comedian
The Teng Chun, director
Titi DJ, pop singer, songwriter, and beauty pageant titleholder
Vania Larissa, singer
Verdi Solaiman, actor
Willy Dozan, actor and martial artist
Wilbert Ross, Filipino actor, singer and dancer whose paternal grandfather is an Indonesian of Chinese descent who migrated to Davao, Philippines
Warren Hue, rapper, singer, record producer and songwriter
Wim Umboh, director
Wong Brothers, directors
Yoshi Sudarso, actor
Zack Lee, actor and model

Journalists

Ang Jan Goan, journalist, publisher, political thinker, and director of Sin Po
Auw Jong Peng Koen, co-founder of Kompas
Hauw Tek Kong, newspaper editor and founder of Keng Po
Kho Tjoen Wan, journalist for Perniagaan, Sinar Hindia and Warna Warta
Lauw Giok Lan, journalist, writer and one of the founders of the newspaper Sin Po
Phoa Tjoen Hoat, journalist and editor of Perniagaan, Warna Warta and Sinar Sumatra
Phoa Tjoen Hoay, journalist and translator
Siem Piet Nio, early feminist writer and journalist under the pen name Hong Le Hoa for Panorama and other magazines

Military personnel

Daniel Tjen, neurologist and mayor general of the Indonesian Armed Forces
Djoni Liem ), chief warrant officer of the Indonesian Marine Corps
John Lie, a national hero who served the Indonesian Navy by setting up clandestine weapons procurement operations during the Dutch blockades from 1947 to 1949, continued serving the Navy during the 1961–1963 Mandala campaigns before retiring as rear admiral
Kuntara, lieutenant general of the Indonesian Army, former general commander of Kopassus and former Indonesian ambassador to China
Rudi Taran, air marshal of the Indonesian Air Force
Teddy Jusuf, first Chinese-Indonesian to attain the rank of brigadier general on the Indonesian Army
Kyai Ronggo Ngabehi Soero Pernollo, nobleman, police chief, bureaucrat and founder of the Muslim branch of the Han family of Lasem

Politicians

Abdurrahman Wahid, 4th president of Indonesia
Acep Purnama, regent of Kuningan
Alex Indra Lukman, member of the House of Representatives, member of the PDI-P
Albertina Ho, former judge of the Supreme Court of Indonesia
Alvin Lie, member of Indonesian National Mandate Party (PAN)
Amir Syamsuddin, former Indonesian Minister of Law and Human Rights
Andrei Angouw, mayor of Manado, member of the Regional House of representative of North Sulawesi
Angela Tanoesoedibjo, Vice Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy 2019–2024
Han Bwee Kong, a.k.a Kapitein der Chinezen, magnate, government official, and landlord in East Java, part of the Han family of Lasem
Han Tiauw Tjong Sia, prominent colonial Indonesian politician, engineer, community leader and a member of the influential Han family of Lasem
Bob Hasan, former Minister of Forestry
Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, former governor of Jakarta and CEO of Pertamina
Basuri Tjahaja Purnama, politician, former regent of East Belitung
Benny Alexander Liteloni, former vice governor of East Nusa Tenggara, former vice regent of South Central Timor Regency
Benny Laos, politician and businessman who served as the regent of Morotai
Budhi Sarwono, former regent of Banjarnegara
Bong Ming Ming, vice regent of West Bangka, and former member of the Bangka Regional House of Representatives
Cen Sui Lan, member of the House of Representatives, regent of Natuna
Christiandy Sanjaya, former vice governor of West Kalimantan, and Indonesia's first Chinese deputy governor
Charles Honoris, member of House of Representatives and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle
Darmadi Durianto, member of the House of Representatives
David Gee Cheng, Deputy Minister for City Planning and Construction
Enggartiasto Lukita, former Indonesian Minister of Trade
Erick Thohir, current Minister of State Owned Enterprises
Edward Tannur, politician and businessman, former member of the House of Representatives
Hanny Sondakh, politician, mayor of Bitung
Hendrawan Supratikno, politician and member of the House of Representatives
Hermawi Taslim, politician
Hok Hoei Kan, colonial politician, landlord, patrician and founding president of Chung Hwa Hui
Hidayat Arsani, vice governor of Bangka Belitung Islands and the current governor of Bangka Belitung Islands
Ignasius Jonan, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources
Jusuf Wanandi, former student activist and former representative in the People’s Consultative Assembly, and founder of Centre for Strategic and International Studies
Khouw Kim An, fifth and last Majoor der Chinezen of Batavia
Kwik Kian Gie, former Coordinating Minister of Economics and Finance and Minister of National Development Planning
Liem Koen Hian, journalist and politician
Lie Kiat Teng, former Minister of Health
Lie Tjoe Hong, third Majoor der Chinezen of Batavia
Loa Sek Hie, colonial politician, community leader, landlord, patrician, and founder of Pao An Tui
Luo Fangbo, politician, founding father of the Lanfang Republic
Mari Pangestu, former Indonesian Minister of Trade and Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy
Markus, current regent of West Bangka regency
Matheos Tan, bureaucrat, current regent of Lembata
Mochammad Anton, politician, mayor of Malang
Mor Bastiaan, politician, vice mayor of Manado
Oei Tjoe Tat, former Minister of State
Oey Djie San, former Landheer and Kapitein der Chinezen of Tangerang
Ong Eng Die, economist, former Minister of Finance
Phoa Liong Gie, colonial politician, jurist, newspaper owner
Ria Norsan, politician and businessman, current governor of West Kalimantan, vice governor of West Kalimantan and regent of Mempawah
Ricky Jauwerissa, regent of Tanimbar Island
Rico Sia, member of the House of Representatives
Rudianto Tjen, member of the House of Representatives
Satono, politician, regent of Sambas
Sherly Tjoanda, politician and businesswoman who has served as the governor of North Maluku since 20 February 2025
Siauw Giok Tjhan, politician, member of the Provisional House of Representatives and cabinet minister
Sofyan Tan, politician and doctor, member of the House of Representatives representing North Sumatra
Soero Adinegoro, nobleman and former government official
Souw Beng Kong, first Kapitein der Chinezen of Batavia
Sudin, politician, member of the House of representatives
Tan Eng Goan, first Majoor der Chinezen of Batavia
Tan Po Goan, lawyer, Socialist Party of Indonesia politician, Minister without Portfolio in the Third Sjahrir Cabinet
Tan Tjoen Tiat, second Majoor der Chinezen of Batavia
Telly Tjanggulung, politician, former regent of Southeastern Minahasa
Thio Thiam Tjong, politician and community leader, founding board member of Chung Hwa Hui and the Chinese Indonesian Democratic Party
Thomas Lembong, former Indonesian Minister of Trade and head of Investment Coordinating Board
Tio Tek Ho, fourth Majoor der Chinezen of Batavia
Tjhai Chui Mei, mayor of Singkawang
Veronica Tan, politician and entrepreneur; deputy minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection of Indonesia since 2024
William Aditya Sarana, politician, current member of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives
Yap Tjwan Bing, Independence activist, politician and doctor, member of the Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence
Yenny Wahid, politician and daughter of former president Abdurrahman Wahid

Sportspeople

Abraham Damar Grahita, basketball player
Ade Chandra, badminton player
Agassi Goantara, basketball player
Agus Indra Kurniawan, football player
Agus Susanto, badminton player
Alan Budikusuma, badminton star and 1992 Olympic gold medalist
Albertus Susanto Njoto, badminton player
Alvent Yulianto, badminton player
Angelique Widjaja, tennis athlete
Antonius Ariantho, badminton star
Ardy Wiranata, badminton player
Aryono Miranat, badminton player, coach
Arthur Irawan, football player
Benny Wijaya, tennis athlete
Bobby Ertanto, badminton star
Candra Wijaya, badminton star and 2000 Summer Olympics gold medalist for men's doubles
Charlie Depthios, weightlifter
Chris John, boxing world champion formerly holding the WBA (Super) featherweight title
Christian Hadinata, badminton star
Cindana Hartono Kusuma, badminton star
Daniel Marthin, badminton player
Daniel Wenas, basketball player
Daud Yordan, boxing world champion and former IBO Featherweight and Lightweight Champion
Debby Susanto, badminton star
Denny Kantono, badminton star
Denny Sumargo, basketball star
Darmadi, badminton player
Eddy Hartono, badminton star
Eddy Kurniawan, badminton star
Edhi Handoko, chess grandmaster
Ellen Angelina, badminton player and coach
Elkan Baggott, football player
Eng Hian, badminton star
Endang Witarsa, football manager
Febby Valencia Dwijayanti Gani, badminton player
Ferry Sonneville, badminton star
Fernando Kurniawan, badminton player
Fran Kurniawan, badminton player
Fung Permadi, badminton player
Hadibowo Susanto, badminton player
Halim Haryanto, badminton star and coach
Hariyanto Arbi, badminton player
Harry Tjong, footballer and football manager
Hendra Setiawan, badminton star
Hendrawan, badminton world champion
Hermawan Susanto, badminton star
Herry Iman Pierngadi, badminton coach
Hastomo Arbi, badminton star
Hiong Liong Tan, chess master
Huang Hua, badminton star of China, later become a citizen of Indonesia
Imron Roasadi, born Liu Nyok Siong, weightlifter
Indra Gunawan, badminton player and coach
Indra Wijaya, badminton player and coach
Inesh Putri Chandra, professional golfer
Ivana Lie, badminton player
Janice Tjen, tennis player
Jeffer Rosobin, badminton player
Jenna Gozali, badminton player
Johan Wahjudi, badminton star
John Juanda, poker player and star
Jo Novita, badminton player
Juan Revi, football player
Jonatan Christie, badminton star
Lidya Djaelawijaya, badminton star
Liliyana Natsir, badminton player
Lindswell Kwok, Wushu athlete
Kim Kurniawan, football player
Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, badminton star
Khouw Keng Nio, first woman aviator in China and Indonesia
Komala Dewi, badminton player
Kwee Kiat Sek, football player, part of squad Indonesia in 1956 Olympic in Melbourne
Liang Qiuxia, badminton star of China, later become a citizen of Indonesia and Indonesian coach
Liem Swie King, badminton player
Lius Pongoh, badminton player
Liliyana Natsir, badminton star and 2016 Olympic gold medalist for mixed doubles
Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, badminton star
Maria Selena, basketball player
Mei Joni, basketball player
Minarti Timur, badminton player
Muljadi, born Ang Tjin Siang, badminton player
Ng Ka Long, Hong Kong-based badminton of maternal Chinese Indonesian descent
Nathan Tjoe-A-On, football player
Nova Arianto, football player
Praveen Jordan, badminton star
Ricardo Moniz, Dutch-based football player of maternal Chinese Indonesian descent
Rio Haryanto, Indonesian racer on Formula One for Manor Racing F1 Team in 2016 Formula One season
Ronald Susilo, Singapore-based badminton star
Ruben Gunawan, chess grandmaster
Rudy Hartono, born Nio Hap Liang, badminton player and 8-time winner of the All-England Cup
Sean Gelael, racing driver
Simon Santoso, badminton player
Staffan Horito, football player
Surya Lesmana, born Liem Soei Liang, football player
Susi Susanti, born Ong Lien Hiang, badminton star and 1992 Olympic gold medalist
Susyana Tjhan ), Wushu athlete
Sutanto Tan, football player
The Hong Djien, football player and player in the 1938 FIFA World Cup
Tan Joe Hok, Indonesia badminton player
Tan Liong Houw, football player and participant of the 1956 Olympics
Tan Mo Heng, football goalkeeper and player in the 1938 FIFA World Cup
Tan See Han, badminton star
Tony Gunawan, badminton star and 2000 Olympic gold medalist for men's doubles
Verawaty Fadjrin, badminton star
Vincent Rivaldi Kosasih, basketball player
Wong Wing Ki, Hong Kong-based badminton player of Chinese Indonesian descent
Wynne Prakusya, tennis athlete

Other

Abraham Alex Tanuseputra, founder of the Bethany Indonesian Church
Daniel Bambang Dwi Byantoro, founder of the Indonesian Orthodox Church
Felix Siauw, Islamic cleric, preacher, author and Islamist activist associated with Hizbut Tahrir
Gabriel Manek, Roman catholic archbishop
Han Siong Kong, patriarch and founder of the Han family of Lasem
Insan Mokoginta, Ulama and Christology figure
Stephen Tong, Reformed Evangelical pastor
Sylvester Tung Kiem San, bishop of Denpasar
Tio Tjay, painter
Handojo Tjandrakusuma, doctor specializing on disability rehabilitation
Henricus Pidyarto Gunawan, bishop of Malang
Joseph Theodorus Suwatan, bishop of Manado
Kang Cing Wie, 12th-century Chinese woman who married the Balinese king Jayapangus; goddess of prosperity in traditional Balinese culture
Lee Chin Koon, father of Lee Kuan Yew
Lee Man Fong, painter
Lo Siaw Ging, doctor and philanthropist
Vincentius Sutikno Wisaksono, bishop of Surabaya
William Wongso, culinary expert