List of Chinese Indonesians

This is a list of notable Chinese Indonesians:

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

Academics

• Arief Budiman (Soe Hok Djin; Chinese: 史福仁), sociologist, professor at the University of Melbourne, formerly at Satya Wacana Christian University, and brother of Soe Hok Gie.^[1]
• Hadi Soesastro (Tan Yueh Ming; Chinese: 陈余明), economist, political scientist, founder and former Executive Director of Centre for Strategic and International Studies (Indonesia).^[2]
• Jusuf Wanandi (Lim Bian Kie; Chinese: 林绵基), political scientist.
• Leo Suryadinata (Liauw Kian Djoe; Chinese: 廖建裕), sinologist.
• Ong Hok Ham (Chinese: 王福涵), historian.
• Mely G. Tan (Tan Giok Lan; Chinese: 陈玉兰), sociologist.
• Merlyna Lim, professor and Canada Research Chair.
• Soe Tjen Marching (Chinese: 史曾), academic, composer, and writer.
• Wang Gungwu, historian (simplified Chinese: 王赓武; traditional Chinese: 王賡武)

Activists

• Aw Tjoei Lan, social activist, philanthropist, community leader, and founder of the charity organization Ati Soetji.
• Lie Eng Hok (Chinese: 李英福), Indonesian independence activist and political prisoner, was declared a Pioneer of Independence in 1959.
• Melki Sedek Huang, activist and sex offender who formerly served as the Chairman of The Student Executive Board at University of Indonesia.
• Phoa Keng Hek (Chinese: 潘景赫), social activist, founding president of Tiong Hoa Hwe Koan, and one of the founders of Institut Teknologi Bandung.
• Soe Hok Gie (Chinese: 史朱义), activist.
• Thung Sin Nio (Chinese: 汤新娘), women's rights activist, physician, economist and politician.
• Yap Thiam Hien (Chinese: 叶添兴), human rights lawyer.

Architect

• Liem Bwan Tjie, pioneering figure of modern Indonesian architecture.

Authors

• Clara Ng, novelist.
• Kho Ping Hoo (Chinese: 许平和), short story writer and novelist
• Khoe Trima Nio, short story writer and novelist
• Kwee Kek Beng (Chinese: 郭克明), journalist and writer.
• Kwee Tek Hoay (Chinese: 郭德怀), writer, important proponent of Tri-Dharma and credited with the publication of Dharma Moestika (1932–1934) and a list of publications.
• Lie Kim Hok (Chinese: 李金福), teacher and writer who authored Tjhit Liap Seng and Malajoe Batawi.
• Lie Loan Lian Nio (Chinese: 李来莲娘), translator of Chinese novels into Malay.
• Lie On Moy, translator of Chinese stories into Malay and journalist.
• Lie Sim Djwe (Chinese: 李心志), translator and novelist.
• Marga Tjoa (Tjoa Liang Tjoe; Chinese: 蔡良珠), novelist.
• Mira W., novelist.
• Myra Sidharta (Auw Jong Tjhoen Moy; Chinese: 欧阳春梅), writer and academician.
• Nio Joe Lan (Chinese: 梁友兰), writer, journalist, and history teacher.
• Nyonya The Tiang Ek, real name Lie Djien Nio, writer, journalist and translator.
• Oen Tjhing Tiauw (Chinese: 温清兆), writer, playwright, cultural activist and politician
• Tan Boen Soan (Chinese: 陈文宣), writer and journalist.
• Tan Gin Ho, writer and associated with the influential Tan family of Cirebon.
• Tan Hong Boen (Chinese: 陈丰文), writer and translator.
• Tan Tjeng Nio, author of a book of Syair poems published in 1897.
• Thé Tjong-Khing (Chinese: 郑宗琼), Dutch children's book artist, and author.
• The Liep Nio, writer.
• Thio Tjin Boen (Chinese: 张振文), journalist and author of Tjerita Oeij Se.
• Tio Ie Soei (Chinese: 赵雨水), 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, a half-American contestant of Miss Indonesia 2009.
• Kevin Lilliana, a half-Sundanese contestant of Miss Indonesia International 2017 and winner 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 (Chinese: 曾纳丁; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Zēng Nà Dīng), 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 Miss World 2013.

Businesspeople

• Andrew Darwis, entrepreneur and founder of Kaskus.
• Arsyad Rasjid, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN).
• Carlo Tabalujan (Tan Tjin Hin; Chinese: 谭欣下巴), founder of PT Nestlé Indonesia, Danmotor Vespa and Kawasaki Motor Indonesia.
• Cherie Nursalim (Chinese: 林美金; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Lîm Bí Kim), Vice Chairman of Giti Corporation.^[3]
• Ciputra (Tjie Tjin Hoan; Chinese: 徐振焕), philanthropist, founder of Ciputra Development, and Forbes' 23rd richest Indonesian.
• Hary Tanoesoedibjo (Chinese: 陈明立; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tân Bîng Li̍p) founder MNC Group and Perindo party.
• James Riady (Lie Zen; Chinese: 李白), businessman and the deputy chairman of the Lippo Group, a major Indonesian conglomerate.
• Khouw Khe Hien (Chinese: 许启兴), pioneering aviator.
• Kimun Ongkosandjojo (Ong Kiem Oen; Chinese: 王金温), co-founder of Jamu Air Mancur.
• Liem Sioe Liong (Chinese: 林绍良), founder Salim Group and BCA.
• Leo Ko Guan (Chinese: 廖凯原), founder of SHI International Corp, the 3rd largest shareholder in Tesla, Inc.
• Michael Bambang Hartono (Oei Hwie Siang; Chinese: 黄惠祥), founder of Djarum and owner of BCA.
• Mochtar Riady (Lie Mo Tie; Chinese: 李文正), founder Lippo Group.
• Prajogo Pangestu (Phang Djoen Phen; Chinese: 彭云鹏), business magnate, investor, philanthropist.
• Robert Budi Hartono (Oei Hwie Tjhong; Chinese: 黄惠忠), founder Djarum and owner of BCA.
• Sofjan Wanandi (Lim Bian Khoen; Chinese: 林绵坤), owner of Gemala Group.
• Sukanto Tanoto (Tan Kang Hoo; Chinese: 陈江和), founder Raja Garuda Mas International (now Royal Golden Eagle).
• Sutanto Djuhar (Liem Oen Kian; Chinese: 林文镜), co-founder Salim Group.
• Tahir (Ang Tjoen Ming; Chinese: 翁俊民), founder of Mayapada Bank.
• Tan Khoen Swie (Chinese: 陈坤瑞), publisher.
• Teddy Yip (Jap Tek Lie; Chinese: 叶德利), founder of Macau Grand Prix.
• William Soeryadjaya (Tjia Kian Liong; Chinese: 谢建隆), founder of Astra International.
• William Tanuwijaya, entrepreneur and founder of Tokopedia.
• Yap Goan Ho (Chinese: 叶源和), translator and publisher.

Criminals

• Oey Tamba Sia (Chinese: 黄陶谢), playboy, tycoon's heir and criminal.
• Eddy Tansil (Tan Tjoe Hong; Chinese: 陈珠芳), businessman and runaway criminal.

Economists

• Christianto Wibisono (Oey Kian Kok; Chinese: 黄建国), economics analyst.
• Thee Kian Wie (Chinese: 戴建伟), economic historian and founder of LIPI.^[4]

Entertainers

• Abimana Aryasatya, actor.
• Agnez Mo (Chinese: 杨诗曼; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Iûnn Si Bān), singer-songwriter, record producer, composer, actress, presenter, rapper, author, businesswoman, dancer, model, and philanthropist.
• Ateng (Kho Tjeng Lie; Chinese: 邱诚烈), comedian.
• Baim Wong, actor.
• Boy William, actor.
• Chelsea Olivia Wijaya, actress and model.
• Chrisye, singer.
• Daniel Mananta, presenter, model, and fashion designer.
• Deddy Corbuzier, presenter, and magician.
• Dion Wiyoko, presenter, and actor.
• Ernest Prakasa, comedian.
• Gisella Anastasia, actress, singer, and model.
• Goh Soon Tioe (Chinese: 吴顺筹), conductor, pedagogue, and violinist.
• Hamzah Sulaeman, actor
• Heaven Tanudiredja, fashion designer.
• Hoo Eng Djie (Chinese: 何荣日), songwriter and poet.
• Jahja Ling (Chinese: 林望杰; pinyin: Lín Wàng Jié), conductor, music director.
• Jaya Suprana (Phoa Kok Tjiang; Chinese: 潘郭蒋), businessman, head of Jamu Jago, comedian, composer, and musician.
• Joe Taslim, actor, model and martial artist.
• Julie Estelle, actress and model.
• Kevin Liliana, actress and model.
• Leila Tong (Kong Lai Na; Chinese: 江丽娜), actress.
• Lo Lieh (Chinese: 罗烈), actor.
• Mariana Renata, actress and model.
• Melvis (Kwok Lam Sang; Chinese: 郭琳生), Elvis impersonator.
• Morgan Oey, actor, singer.
• Nathan Hartono (Chinese: 向洋; pinyin: Xiàng Yáng), singer.
• Rich Brian, rapper, singer, record producer, and songwriter.
• 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.
• Sisca Kohl, internet celebrity.
• Tan Tjoei Hock, journalist and director.
• Teguh Karya (Steve Liem Tjoan Hok; Chinese: 林廉鹤), director.
• The Teng Chun (Chinese: 郑丁春), director.
• Vania Larissa, singer.
• Willy Dozan (Chuang Chen Li; Chinese: 庄陈力), actor and martial artist.
• Wilbert Ross (born Wilbert Marcelo Rosalyn), 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 (Nelson, Joshua, and Othniel Wong), directors.

Journalists

• Ang Jan Goan (Chinese: 洪渊源), journalist, publisher, political thinker, and director of Sin Po (1925-1959).
• Auw Jong Peng Koen (Chinese: 欧阳炳昆), co-founder Kompas.
• Hauw Tek Kong (Chinese: 侯德广), newspaper editor and founder of Keng Po.
• Kho Tjoen Wan (Chinese: 许俊源), journalist for Perniagaan, Sinar Hindia and Warna Warta.
• Lauw Giok Lan (Chinese: 刘玉兰), journalist, writer and one of the founders of the newspaper Sin Po.
• Phoa Tjoen Hoat (Chinese: 潘春发), journalist and editor of Perniagaan, Warna Warta and Sinar Sumatra.
• Phoa Tjoen Hoay (Chinese: 潘春怀), journalist and translator.
• Siem Piet Nio, (Chinese: 沈泌娘) early feminist writer and journalist under the pen name Hong Le Hoa for Panorama and other magazines.

Military personnel

• John Lie (Lie Tjeng Tjoan; Chinese: 李约翰), 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.^[5]
• Teddy Jusuf (Him Tek Jie; Chinese: 熊德怡), first Chinese-Indonesian to attain the rank of Brigadier General on the Indonesian Army.
• Kyai Ronggo Ngabehi Soero Pernollo (Han Tjien Kong; Chinese: 韩钱江), nobleman, police chief, bureaucrat and founder of the Muslim branch of the Han family of Lasem.

Politicians

• Abdurrahman Wahid, the 4th President of Indonesia.
• Alvin Lie (Lie Ling Piauw; Chinese: 李宁彪), member of Indonesian National Mandate Party (PAN).
• Amir Syamsuddin (Tan Toan Sin), former Indonesian Minister of Law and Human Rights (2011–2014).
• Angela Tanoesoedibjo, Vice Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy since 2019 to 2024.
• Han Bwee Kong, a.k.a Kapitein der Chinezen, a magnate, government official, and a 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 (The Kian Seng), former Minister of Forestry.
• Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Tjoeng Van Hok; Chinese: 钟万学), former Governor of Jakarta (2014–2017) and CEO of Pertamina (2019–2024).
• Benny Laos, politician and businessman who served as the Regent of Morotai from 2017 to 2022.
• Christiandy Sanjaya (Bong Hon San; Chinese: 黄汉山), former Vice Governor of West Kalimantan (2008–2013, 2013–2018), and Indonesia's first Chinese deputy governor.
• Charles Honoris, member of House of Representatives and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle.
• Enggartiasto Lukita (Loe Joe Eng; Chinese: 吕有恩), former Indonesian Minister of Trade.
• Hok Hoei Kan (Chinese: 福辉舍簡), colonial politician, landlord, patrician and founding president of Chung Hwa Hui.
• Ignasius Jonan, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (2016–2019).
• Jusuf Wanandi (Liem Bian Kie; Chinese: 林基绵), former student activist and former representative in the People’s Consultative Assembly.
• Khouw Kim An (Chinese: 许金安), fifth and last Majoor der Chinezen (lit., Major of the Chinese) of Batavia (1910–1918).
• Kwik Kian Gie (Chinese: 郭建义), former Coordinating Minister of Economics and Finance (1999–2000) and Minister of National Development Planning (2001–2004).
• Liem Koen Hian (Chinese: 林群贤), journalist and politician.
• Lie Kiat Teng (Chinese: 李杰登), former Minister of Health (1953–1955)
• Lie Tjoe Hong (Chinese: 李子凤), third Majoor der Chinezen (lit. 'Major of the Chinese') of Batavia (1879–1896).
• Loa Sek Hie (Chinese: 赖锡禧), colonial politician, community leader, landlord, patrician, and founder of Pao An Tui.
• Mari Pangestu (Phang Hoei Lan; Chinese: 冯慧兰), former Indonesian Minister of Trade (2004–2011) and Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (2011–2014).
• Phoa Liong Gie (Chinese: 潘隆义舍), colonial politician, jurist, newspaper owner.
• Sherly Tjoanda, politician and businesswoman who has served as the Governor of North Maluku since 20 February 2025.
• Soero Adinegoro, nobleman and former government official (1752–1833).
• Tan Eng Goan (Chinese: 陈永元), first Majoor der Chinezen of Batavia (1837–1865).
• Tan Po Goan (Chinese: 陈宝源), lawyer, Socialist Party of Indonesia politician, Minister without Portfolio in the Third Sjahrir Cabinet.
• Tan Tjoen Tiat (Chinese: 陈浚哲), second Majoor der Chinezen of Batavia (1865-1879).
• Thio Thiam Tjong (Chinese: 张添聪), politician and community leader, founding board member of Chung Hwa Hui.
• Thomas Lembong (Chinese: 汤连旺; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Thng Liân Ōng), former Indonesian Minister of Trade (2015–2016) and Head of Investment Coordinating Board (2016–2019).
• Tio Tek Ho (Chinese: 赵德和), fourth Majoor der Chinezen of Batavia (1896-1907).
• Veronica Tan, politician and entrepreneur who is currently serving as the Deputy Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection of Indonesia since 2024.
• Yenny Wahid, politician and daughter of former president Abdurrahman Wahid.

Sportspeople

• Abraham Damar Grahita, basketball player.
• Agassi Goantara, basketball player.
• Agus Indra Kurniawan, football player.
• Alan Budikusuma (魏仁芳), badminton star and 1992 Olympic gold medalist.
• Angelique Widjaja (黄依林), tennis athlete.
• Antonius Ariantho, badminton star.
• Ardy Wiranata, badminton player.
• Arthur Irawan, football player.
• Bobby Ertanto (葉忠明), badminton star.
• Candra Wijaya (陳甲亮), badminton star and 2000 Summer Olympics gold medalist for men's doubles.
• Chris John, boxing world champion formerly holding the WBA (Super) featherweight title (2004–2013).
• Christian Hadinata (紀明發), badminton star.
• Cindana Hartono Kusuma (古愛金), 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 (关有明), badminton star.
• Denny Sumargo, basketball star.
• Eddy Hartono (洪忠中), badminton star.
• Eddy Kurniawan (罗天宁), badminton star.
• Edhi Handoko, chess grandmaster.
• Elkan Baggott, football player.
• Eng Hian (徐永賢), badminton star.
• Endang Witarsa (林順有), football manager.
• Febby Valencia Dwijayanti Gani, badminton player.
• Ferry Sonneville, badminton star.
• Halim Haryanto (何学林), badminton star.
• Hendra Setiawan, badminton star.
• Hendrawan (葉誠萬), badminton world champion.
• Hermawan Susanto (蔡祥林), badminton star.
• Herry Iman Pierngadi (彭伟信), badminton coach.
• Hiong Liong Tan (陈香良), chess master.
• Huang Hua (黄华), badminton star of China, later become a citizen of Indonesia.
• Inesh Putri Chandra, professional golfer.
• Johan Wahjudi (洪耀龍), badminton star.
• John Juanda, poker player and star.
• Juan Revi, football player.
• Jonatan Christie, badminton star.
• Lidya Djaelawijaya (劉沁薇), badminton star.
• Kim Kurniawan, football player.
• Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, badminton star.
• Khouw Keng Nio, first woman aviator in China and Indonesia (qualified in March 1936).
• Kwee Kiat Sek, football player, part of squad Indonesia in 1956 Olympic in Melbourne.
• Liang Qiuxia (梁秋霞), badminton star of China, later become a citizen of Indonesia and Indonesian coach.
• Liem Swie King (林水鏡), 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.
• Muljadi, born Ang Tjin Siang (翁振祥), badminton player.
• Ng Ka Long (伍家朗), 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 (林香文), Singapore-based badminton star.
• Ruben Gunawan, chess grandmaster.
• Rudy Hartono, born Nio Hap Liang (梁海量), badminton player and 8-time winner of the All-England Cup.
• Sean Gelael, racing driver.
• Simon Santoso, badminton player.
• Surya Lesmana, born Liem Soei Liang (林隋亮), football player.
• Susi Susanti, born Ong Lien Hiang (王蓮香), a badminton star and 1992 Olympic gold medalist
• Sutanto Tan (陳江和), football player.
• The Hong Djien, football player and player in the 1938 FIFA World Cup.
• Tan Joe Hok (陳有福), 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 (, football players and player in the 1938 FIFA World Cup.
• Tjun Tjun (梁春生), badminton star.
• Tony Gunawan (吳俊明), badminton star and 2000 Olympic gold medalist for men's doubles.
• Verawaty Fadjrin, badminton star.
• Vincent Rivaldi Kosasih, basketball player.
• Wong Wing Ki (黃永棋), Hong Kong-based badminton player of Chinese Indonesian descent.
• Wynne Prakusya, tennis athlete.

Other

• Stephen Tong (Chinese: 唐崇荣; pinyin: Táng Chóng Róng), Reformed Evangelical pastor.

See also

• Chen Fu Zhen Ren
• Chinese Indonesians
• Benteng Chinese
• Chinese in the Bangka Belitung Islands
• Chinese Maluku
• Supreme Council for the Confucian Religion in Indonesia
• Kong Koan & Tiong Hoa Hwee Koan
• Kapitan Cina & List of Kapitan Cina
• Sia (title)
• Discrimination against Chinese Indonesians
• Legislation on Chinese Indonesians
• 1740 Batavia massacre
• 1918 Kudus riot
• Jakarta Riots of May 1998
• List of Javanese people
• List of Acehnese people
• List of Batak people
• List of Bugis people
• List of Minangkabaus
• List of Moluccan people
• List of Sundanese people