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Football Insider

Remembering Michael Hartono: A Legacy of Business and Influence

Indonesian media report the death of the 86-year-old majority shareholder Michael Hartono, the majority shareholder of Como alongside his brother Robert Budi, has died at the age of 86. The Hartono brothers are Indonesian billionaires, known for their tobacco empire Djarum, banking ventures, electronics, and property investments.

Remembering Michael Hartono: A Legacy of Business and Influence

Indonesian media report the death of the 86-year-old majority shareholder Michael Hartono, the majority shareholder of Como alongside his brother Robert Budi, has died at the age of 86. The Hartono brothers are Indonesian billionaires, ranked among the world’s richest men, known for having built a tobacco empire (Djarum) and diversified into banking (BCA), electronics (Polytron) and property. Since 2019, they have owned Como 1907, which they have taken from Serie D to Serie A and now into the Champions League zone.The news of his death, reported by Gazzetta.it, has been picked up by Indonesian media, and there have been no statements from the club as yet.Michael Bambang Hartono was one of Indonesia’s most influential businessmen. Gazzetta.it looks back at his life. A professional bridge player, he campaigned for many years for bridge to be included in the Asian Games. His team won the bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games. The Hartono empire was founded when his father, Oei Wie Gwan, bought a bankrupt cigarette company in 1950.Since then, the company has become one of Indonesia’s leading producers of clove cigarettes. The Hartono family owns a significant stake in Bank Central Asia, the country’s largest bank by market capitalisation, as well as prime property in Jakarta and the well-known electronics brand Polytron.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

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The Legacy of Michael Hartono

Michael Hartono, the co-owner of Como club alongside his brother Robert, passed away at the age of 86. As one of Indonesia's most influential businessmen, he leaves behind a legacy marked by success in various industries, including tobacco, banking, electronics, and property.

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The Hartono Business Empire

The Hartono empire was established when their father purchased a struggling cigarette company in 1950. Over the years, the family expanded their business interests, becoming key players in the Indonesian economy through ventures like Djarum cigarettes, Bank Central Asia, and Polytron electronics.

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Entrepreneurial Ventures and Achievements

Apart from their successful business endeavors, Michael Hartono was also known for his passion for bridge. He actively promoted the inclusion of bridge in the Asian Games, with his team winning the bronze medal at the 2018 games. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sports have left a lasting impact on Indonesia's business and sporting landscape.

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Como 1907's Journey

Since acquiring Como 1907 in 2019, Michael Hartono and his brother Robert have elevated the club from Serie D to Serie A, reaching the Champions League zone. Their ownership brought success and visibility to the club, showcasing their strategic vision and passion for football.

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A Life Well-Lived

Michael Hartono's life was characterized by business acumen, innovation, and a dedication to promoting bridge as a sport. His passing marks the end of an era for the business world in Indonesia, but his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and sports enthusiasts.

Published on Mar 19, 2026