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Indonesia's Richest Man Michael Hartono Passes Away at 86

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Michael Bambang Hartono, Indonesia's richest man, died at age 86 in a Singapore hospital on March 19, 2026.
Hartono co-owned the Djarum Group, transforming it into a diversified conglomerate.
With his brother Robert Hartono, he expanded the family cigarette business into a Kretek empire.
They owned Bank Central Asia and redeveloped Hotel Indonesia into the Grand Indonesia complex.
Hartono was a bridge player, winning bronze at the 2018 Asian Games.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 1951 by Oei Wie Gwan, the Djarum Group began as a small kretek cigarette manufacturer in Indonesia. After a devastating fire in 1963, his sons, Michael and Robert Hartono, revitalized the company, expanding into banking with Bank Central Asia by 2002. By 2021, Djarum had evolved into a major conglomerate, significantly impacting Indonesia's economy and entrepreneurial landscape.

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Story summary

Michael Bambang Hartono, Indonesia's richest man, died at age 86 in a Singapore hospital on March 19, 2026.
Hartono co-owned the Djarum Group, transforming it into a diversified conglomerate.
With his brother Robert Hartono, he expanded the family cigarette business into a Kretek empire.
They owned Bank Central Asia and redeveloped Hotel Indonesia into the Grand Indonesia complex.
Hartono was a bridge player, winning bronze at the 2018 Asian Games.

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