Michael Hartono's Passing
Michael Hartono, the Indonesian billionaire and co-owner of Italian football club Como, has died at the age of 87. Hartono and his brother Robert acquired the club in 2019, bringing their family's immense wealth, estimated at 30 billion euros, to its management. The Hartono brothers are best known as the owners of Djarum, a major kretek cigarette manufacturer.
Como is currently performing strongly, sitting in fourth place in Italy's Serie A under head coach Cesc Fabregas. The club's ownership under the Hartonos has overseen a remarkable rise from the fourth division to the top flight. With nine matches remaining in the Serie A season, Como's upcoming home fixtures include games against:
- Pisa
- Inter Milan
- Napoli
- Parma
Their away matches will see them face:
- Udinese
- Sassuolo
- Genoa
- Verona
- Cremonese
Beyond the league, Como remains active in the Coppa Italia, where they are set to play the second leg of their semi-final against Inter Milan in late April. The first leg ended in a 0-0 draw. The club is owned by the Hartonos' company, Djarum, which was the title sponsor of the Indonesian Super League from 2005 to 2011.
Impact on the Club
The Hartono brothers purchased a controlling stake in Como when the club was competing in Italy's fourth division. Their significant investment and effort culminated in the team's return to Serie A at the end of the 2023/24 season, where they finished 10th. Michael Hartono's death represents a significant loss for the club and its supporters, marking the end of an era for a key architect of its modern revival.
Michael Hartono's passing may influence Como's future trajectory, as his vision and financial backing were instrumental in the club's resurgence.
With the club at a critical juncture in the season, Como's ambitions in Serie A and the Coppa Italia may now hinge on the ability of the remaining ownership to sustain its progress without their key partner. The football world will be watching closely to see how the club navigates this period of transition in the coming weeks and months.