Trending Now - Indonesian Billionaire Michael Hartono Passes Away at 86
WHO:
Michael Bambang Hartono, Indonesian billionaire, tobacco tycoon, and Indonesia's richest man.
Robert Budi Hartono, brother of Michael Hartono and co-owner of PT Djarum.
PT Djarum, the company founded by the Hartono brothers.
PT Bank Central Asia, Indonesia's largest bank, where the Hartono brothers are major shareholders.
Como 1907, the Italian football club owned by the Hartono brothers.
South East Asia Bridge Federation, where Hartono served as president.
WHAT:
Michael Bambang Hartono died at the age of 86.
He passed away at a hospital in Singapore on March 17th, 2026.
The Djarum Group announced his passing in a statement expressing gratitude for his dedication and service.
Hartono's net worth was more than $43.8 billion, with approximately $25.1 billion attributed to him in December 2024.
Djarum produced dozens of domestic and international brands, primarily kretek cigarettes.
The Hartono brothers won the right to redevelop Hotel Indonesia in 2004.
Djarum owns PB Djarum, a prominent badminton club in Indonesia.
Hartono represented Indonesia at the 2018 Asian Games in bridge, winning a bronze medal.
WHERE:
Jakarta, Indonesia, where Hotel Indonesia is located.
Singapore, where Hartono passed away.
Kudus regency, Central Java, Indonesia, where the Djarum Group is based.
WHEN:
Michael Bambang Hartono was born on October 2nd, 1939.
He died on March 17th, 2026.
The Hartono brothers took over the family business in 1963.
Djarum began exporting cigarettes in 1972.
The first machine-made kretek, Djarum Filter, was created in 1976.
The Djarum Super was introduced in 1981.
Como 1907 was taken over by the Hartono brothers in 2019.
WHY:
The cause of Hartono's death has not been revealed, but he had previously suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a heart attack.
HOW:
The Djarum Group diversified into non-tobacco businesses, including banking, technology, and food.
Djarum's clove products are marketed as "filtered cigars" due to regulations in the U.S.
(UPDATED March 19, 2026 17:26 UTC)
Michael Bambang Hartono, Indonesia's richest man and a prominent tobacco tycoon, passed away at the age of 86 on March 17, 2026, in a hospital in Singapore. The Djarum Group, which he co-founded with his brother Robert Budi Hartono, announced his death in a statement expressing gratitude for his dedication, while Hartono's impressive net worth was reported to be over $43.8 billion. Known for his contributions to various industries, including banking and sports, Hartono also represented Indonesia at the 2018 Asian Games in bridge, where he won a bronze medal.