Djarum Boss to be Buried in Rembang Regency, Central Java

The decision was made after an internal family meeting. Kudus (ANTARA) - Michael Bambang Hartono, owner of the Djarum Group, who was reported to have passed away on Thursday (19/3/2026) at 13:15 Singapore time, is scheduled to be buried in Rembang Regency, Central Java. “The decision was taken after an internal family meeting,” said Senior Manager of Public Affairs at PT Djarum Kudus, Purwono Nugroho, in Kudus on Thursday. He conveyed that the burial location has been set at the family cemetery complex in Godo, Rembang Regency, Central Java. The choice of location is based on the family’s background, as the deceased’s ancestors originated from that area. Although during his lifetime he resided mostly in Jakarta, while other family members are spread across various regions. However, Michael Bambang Hartono’s extended family, who is the Chairman of PT Djarum, still maintains a residence in Rembang Regency. Before the burial, the deceased’s body will be laid in state at two locations. From 20-22 March 2026, the body will be laid in state at Grand Heaven, Jakarta, specifically in rooms 103–105 and 107–108. Subsequently, the body will be brought to Kudus Regency to be laid in state again at GOR Jati Kudus from 22-25 March 2026. The series of masses and funeral ceremonies include a closing of the casket mass on 20 March 2026 at 19:00 WIB at Grand Heaven, Jakarta. Meanwhile, the evening mass on 24 March 2026 at 18:00 WIB at GOR Jati Kudus. The funeral ceremony is scheduled for 10:40 WIB in Godo, Rembang Regency, while the burial procession is at 11:00 WIB. Currently, the deceased’s body, who passed away in Singapore, is still in the process of being repatriated to Indonesia. During his lifetime, Michael Bambang Hartono was known as one of Indonesia’s leading business figures. Together with his brother, Robert Budi Hartono, he managed and developed PT Djarum into one of the largest cigarette companies in the country. Born on 2 October 1939, he was the son of Oei Wie Gwan, the founder of Djarum. Under his leadership, the family business expanded rapidly and diversified into various sectors. Not only in the business world, the deceased was also active in social activities through the Djarum Foundation. His contributions spanned various fields, such as the environment, education, culture, and sports. In the environmental sector, the trembesi tree planting programme along the Pantura route of Java Island was one of his tangible contributions. Meanwhile, in sports, the Djarum Foundation is known for actively nurturing world-class badminton athletes, as well as developing other sports branches such as women’s football, archery, and athletics from an early age. In the arts and education sector, the foundation also initiated student theatre festivals and the “Bakti Pendidikan” programme focused on improving the quality of vocational high schools (SMK), providing scholarships through Djarum Beasiswa Plus, and enhancing the competence of educators. The passing of Michael Bambang Hartono represents a great loss for the business and social worlds in Indonesia.