Michael Bambang Hartono passed away today, Thursday (19\/3), at the\nage of 86. He featured on Forbes\u2019 list of the richest people. He is a\nsymbol of perseverance who successfully transformed a small cigarette\nfactory nearly destroyed by fire into a cross-sector conglomerate that\nsupports the national economy. Born as Oei Hwie Siang on 2 October 1939\nin Kudus, Bambang Hartono closed his life in March 2026, leaving behind\na sprawling business legacy from banking to green technology.<\/p>\n
Bambang Hartono\u2019s business journey began from the lowest point when\nhis father Oei Wie Gwan\u2019s Djarum factory was severely burned in 1963.\nTogether with his younger brother, Robert Budi Hartono, he rose and\nundertook phenomenal diversification.<\/p>\n
For Bambang Hartono, the card game Bridge was more than a hobby. He\nwas a national athlete who contributed a bronze medal for Indonesia at\nthe 2018 Asian Games. According to him, Bridge is the best training for\nmaking business decisions: gathering data, analysing risks, and\nexecuting strategies calmly.<\/p>\n
Despite having a net worth estimated at Rp297 trillion to Rp315\ntrillion in 2026, Bambang Hartono was known for his extremely modest\nlifestyle. One iconic moment continually remembered by the public is\nwhen he was caught on camera enjoying dinner at a roadside Tahu Pong\nstall in Semarang without tight security.<\/p>\n
What is Michael Bambang Hartono\u2019s wealth?<\/p>\n
As of early 2026, his net worth is estimated at US$17.5 billion to\nUS$18.4 billion according to Bloomberg and Forbes data.<\/p>\n
What companies does the Djarum Group own?<\/p>\n
Besides Djarum cigarettes, the group owns BCA, Polytron, Blibli,\nTiket.com, and the Italian football club Como 1907.<\/p>\n
The passing of Michael Bambang Hartono on 19 March 2026 marks the end\nof an important era in Indonesia\u2019s economic history. However, the\nbusiness foundation he built with his brother is predicted to remain a\nmain pillar of national economic stability for decades to come.<\/p>\n
Waves of grief enveloped social media following the news of senior\nentrepreneur Michael Bambang Hartono\u2019s death on Thursday (19\/3).<\/p>\n
Sad news, Michael Bambang Hartono, owner of the Djarum Group and BCA,\npassed away in Singapore on 19 March 2026. See his profile and business\ntracks here.<\/p>\n
Sad news, Michael Bambang Hartono, owner of the Djarum Group, passed\naway in Singapore on Thursday (19\/3\/2026) at 13:15. See his profile and\ncontributions.<\/p>\n
As of 2 October 2024, Indonesia again recorded several individuals\nwith extraordinary wealth. Forbes released the list of the richest\npeople in the country; here is the list.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/profile-of-michael-bambang-hartono-the-life-journey-of-the-bca-owner-and-djarum-business-empire-1773931883", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }