Early Life
Robert Budi Hartono, born Oei Hwie Tjhong on April 28, 1941, in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia, is of Chinese descent. He is the second child of Oei Wie Gwan and Goei Tjo Nio. His early life was rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit of his father, who later founded the Djarum clove cigarette company.
Rise to Success
Hartono's career began in 1963 when he inherited Djarum at the age of 22. Along with his brother, Michael Bambang Hartono, he transformed Djarum from a small business into a leading cigarette company. After a factory fire in 1963, the Hartono brothers rebuilt and modernized Djarum, expanding its operations. In 1972, Djarum began exporting its products internationally, and introduced popular brands like Djarum Filter (1975) and Djarum Super (1981). Beyond tobacco, the Hartono brothers diversified their business interests. They acquired a significant stake in Bank Central Asia (BCA) during the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis.
Key Business Strategies
Hartono's key strategies included expanding Djarum's market reach through exports and brand diversification, as well as making strategic investments in the banking sector with Bank Central Asia. They also ventured into the electronics sector with Polytron and invested in real estate, demonstrating a commitment to diversify the family's wealth.
Philanthropy
Hartono is known for his philanthropic activities through the Djarum Foundation, supporting arts, education, environmental, and social initiatives. The Djarum Foundation sponsors badminton tournaments and has planted trees across Indonesia.
