Michael Hartono, co-owner of the Como club alongside his brother Robert, has died

Michael Bambang Hartono was one of Indonesia’s most influential businessmen. Gazzetta.it looks back at his life. A professional bridge player, he campaigned for many years for bridge to be included in the Asian Games. His team won the bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games. The Hartono empire was founded when his father, Oei Wie Gwan, bought a bankrupt cigarette company in 1950.

Since then, the company has become one of Indonesia’s leading producers of clove cigarettes. The Hartono family owns a significant stake in Bank Central Asia, the country’s largest bank by market capitalisation, as well as prime property in Jakarta and the well-known electronics brand Polytron.

As stated on Como’s official website: “Como 1907 is deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Bambang Hartono. The Club extends its sincerest condolences to the Hartono family and the entire Djarum Group. Under the family’s leadership, the Club has opened a new chapter in its history, and for this reason the club remembers him with gratitude and respect.”

Below is the message of condolence from the Lega Calcio Serie A: "Michael Bambang Hartono, owner of Como 1907 since 2019 alongside his brother Robert Budi, passed away today at the age of 86.

“I have always admired Michael Hartono’s vision, determination and sincere enthusiasm for Italian football,” said Ezio Simonelli, President of the Serie A Football League. “His passion and commitment were a key driving force behind Como’s achievements, and at the same time a significant contribution to the growth of our football movement. “On behalf of the Lega Calcio Serie A, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to his family, his loved ones, the entire Como club and its President, Mirwan Suwarso. His memory will live on in those who had the privilege of meeting him and sharing his love for our sport.”