Djarum Group Owner Michael Bambang Hartono Passes Away

Jakarta – The owner of Djarum Group, Michael Bambang Hartono, is reported to have passed away on Thursday afternoon, 19 March 2026, around 1:15 PM Singapore time. When contacted, Budi Darmawan, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at Djarum Group, confirmed the sad news in his reply message. “The Djarum family extends its deepest condolences on the passing of our leader, Mr Michael Bambang Hartono, on Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 1:15 PM Singapore time,” said Budi when reached by VIVA on Thursday, 19 March 2026. However, Budi has not provided further details regarding the news of the Djarum boss’s passing. It is known that Michael Bambang Hartono is the owner of PT Djarum, or Djarum Group, and also the largest shareholder in BCA. The man of Chinese descent was born in Java on 2 October 1939 and has a younger brother named Robert Budi Hartono. Together with his brother, Bambang is known as the Hartono Brothers duo, who are the heirs to Djarum Group from their father. The late Hartono was known to the public as a figure who often appeared in a simple style and was frequently captured by netizens’ cameras while eating at his favourite modest eateries.