From Cigars to Cards: The Richest Bridge Champ in Jakarta
We’ve got a 78‑year‑old billionaire who trades paperclips for cigarette papers, and now he’s swapping his cigar lounge for deck of cards.
Michael Bambang Hartono, the muscle behind Indonesia’s Djarum Group, is stepping onto the bridge table for the Asian Games, and yes, he’s the richest competitor in the whole event.
Why a Billionaire Plays Bridge
Hartono says the game keeps his mind sharp—fewer lost ties, fewer lost games. “It’s like a cardio for the brain,” he once quipped.
He’s also into tai chi, which helps him stay centered “when you’re sliding your breastbone across a board,” he added with a chuckle.
Bridge: From Skepticism to Glory
- When the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) first saw bridge, they thought it resembled gambling. Hartono had to convince them otherwise.
- Now, the game has earned a spot at the Asian Games (starting Aug 18 in Jakarta and Palembang).
- Hartono, who started playing bridge at six, has teamed up with his younger brother, Robert—a duo that’s destined for gold.
Wealth, Investment, and a Touch of Philanthropy
According to Forbes, Hartono sits at the top of Indonesia’s wealthy list and is the 75th richest person worldwide, with a net worth of about US$16.7 billion. His fortune comes from tobacco, banking, and communications.
Despite this massive cache, he won’t take the 1.5 billion rupiah (about S$140,000) cash prize that Indonesia offers to gold medalists. Instead, he plans to donate the entire amount to boost athlete training programs.
The Players
- Hartono, 78, the richest bridge team member.
- Lee Hung Fong, 81, a Malaysian bridge legend who out‑played the billionaire in the age category.
- Aliqqa Novvery Kayyisa, 9, a skateboard prodigy who proves age is just a number.
What’s in Store
Indonesia’s hosting slot will feature roughly 11,000 athletes and 5,000 officials from 45 Asian nations.
The bridge team is just one of the many events, but it’s a testament that even a billionaire’s hand in cards can shine on the international stage.
