Widjaja "Akong" Ali

Widjaja Ali was born and raised in Tanjung Pinang, Indonesia, where he spent his childhood in a small fishing village, living on a floating house atop the water. One of twelve children-and the sixth of eight sons-he grew up alongside eleven brothers and sisters in a close-knit family that shaped his resilience, adaptability, and deep sense of responsibility.

From an early age, Widjaja attended school where he learned Indonesian and Dutch, while at home, he spoke Mandarin Chinese and Teochew. Widjaja eventually moved to Jakarta, Indonesia, where he met his life partner, Hartati Ngadiman. Together, they built a life rooted in love and shared purpose. They raised four children together, instilling in their family the values of independence, perseverance, and curiosity about the world. Widjaja was deeply proud of his children and devoted himself to ensuring they grew into strong, capable, and ambitious adults.

Through hard work and determination, Widjaja built a successful coffee business before retiring. In retirement, he moved to the United States with his youngest daughter, Ika Huang, to reunite with his son, Nick, who had begun his career there. Eventually, his other two children, Kusmana and Ik Hoeng, followed with their families. Widjaja spent his later years surrounded by family, living with his children and grandchildren and playing an active role in helping raise the next generation-a role he cherished deeply.

Widjaja was known to his grandchildren as "Akong," a title that reflected not only his place in the family but also his warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength. His legacy lives on through the family he nurtured, the values he passed down, and the love he gave freely.

Widjaja Ali is survived by his four children: Ik Hoeng, Ika Huang Wu, Nick Ali, and Kusmana Ali; and by his eight grandchildren: Kattelya and Andreas (children of Ik Hoeng and A Tek), Andrew, Annie, and Wentao (children of Nick Ali and Keli Zhang), and Hana, Hanny, and Haylie (children of Kusmana Ali and Erita Kertawidjaja).

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.