Michael Hartono, one of the owners of the Italian football club Como, has died at the age of 86. Along with his brother Robert Budi, he had acquired the club in 2019 and was instrumental in its operations and development. The Como 1907 club has expressed profound sorrow over his passing and extended heartfelt condolences to the Hartono family and their Djarum Group, acknowledging the impact these brothers had in reviving the club.

Born on October 2, 1939, in Indonesia, Michael Hartono famously took over his father's struggling cigarette factory, Djarum, at the age of 24. Through perseverance and strategic vision, he and his brother transformed this business into a formidable tobacco empire, boasting an estimated net worth of approximately $39 billion, as reported by Forbes. Their success story resonates not only in Indonesia but also in the realm of international sports through their investment in Como.

The leadership of the Hartono brothers at Como marked the beginning of a new era for the club, which seeks to establish further prestige in the football community. The impact of Michael Hartono's death extends beyond the immediate circle of the club and his family, as many recognize the significant role he played in both business and sports, making his passing a notable event within those industries.