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Turin, Italy – A new financial force has arrived in Italian football. According to a recent report from Forbes, the Hartono family, owners of Indonesia’s Djarum Group, have become the wealthiest owners of a club in Serie A, surpassing the financial clout of owners at Inter Milan and AC Milan.
The Hartono family’s substantial investment in Como 1907 has not only propelled the club’s on-field performance – currently sitting in a Champions League qualification spot – but has also established a new benchmark for financial power within the league. Como’s remarkable rise, from the lower divisions to challenging for European competition, is a testament to the impact of their backing.
Since acquiring Como in 2019, the Hartono family, led by Robert Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono, have consistently injected capital into the club. This sustained investment has fueled a dramatic transformation, lifting Como from the amateur ranks back into Serie A after a 21-year absence. The club finished 10th in its first season back in the top flight in 2023-2024 and is currently fourth in the Serie A standings as of March 14, 2026.
Como’s journey began with a promotion from Serie D to Serie C at the end of the 2018-2019 season, followed by securing a spot in Serie B in 2020-2021. The club’s ascent has been swift and decisive, fueled by strategic investment and a clear vision for success.
The financial commitment to Como is substantial. Data from Transfermarkt indicates that the Djarum Group has invested nearly a quarter of a billion euros – almost Rp 5 trillion – in player acquisitions since the 2022-2023 season. This aggressive spending has demonstrably improved the quality of the squad and contributed to Como’s impressive form.
A Wealthy Dynasty Takes Root in Italian Football
The scale of this investment is put into perspective when considering the Hartono family’s overall net worth. Forbes estimates the combined wealth of Robert and Michael Hartono at $40 billion, equivalent to approximately Rp 676 trillion. This places the Djarum Group at number 130 on the list of the world’s wealthiest individuals, dwarfing the financial resources of many of their Serie A counterparts.
The closest competitor in terms of ownership wealth is Dan Friedkin, owner of AS Roma, with a reported net worth of $11.4 billion. This significant disparity highlights the Hartono family’s commanding financial position within Italian football.
The Hartono family’s wealth extends beyond Como 1907. Robert Budi Hartono, born April 28, 1941, is a prominent Indonesian businessman and the second son of Djarum’s founder, Oei Wie Gwan. Alongside his brother, Michael Bambang Hartono, he holds significant stakes in Bank Central Asia (BCA), controlling 51% of the bank through Farindo Holding Ltd. The family also owns extensive palm oil plantations in West Kalimantan and properties including the Grand Indonesia shopping mall, as well as the Polytron electronics company.
This diversified portfolio provides a solid financial foundation for their football ambitions, allowing them to invest heavily in Como without compromising their other business interests. The Hartono brothers’ business acumen and long-term vision are clearly evident in their approach to club ownership.
The impact of the Hartono family’s investment extends beyond the pitch. Como’s success is attracting attention from across Europe, and the club is becoming a symbol of ambition and innovation in Italian football. The club’s rise is also a source of national pride for Indonesia, showcasing the country’s growing influence in the global sports landscape.
Como’s current form is particularly noteworthy. The team’s fourth-place position in the Serie A standings puts them in contention for a coveted spot in the Champions League, a remarkable achievement for a club that was playing in the lower divisions just a few years ago. Their success is a testament to the effectiveness of the Hartono family’s investment strategy and the club’s astute management.
The Hartono family’s arrival has undeniably shaken up the established order in Serie A. Their financial muscle and commitment to Como 1907 are setting a new standard for ownership, and other clubs will need to adapt to remain competitive. The coming seasons will be crucial in determining whether Como can sustain its momentum and establish itself as a permanent fixture among Italy’s elite clubs.
Looking ahead, Como will face a challenging schedule as they continue their pursuit of a Champions League berth. Their next match is against Fiorentina on March 22nd, a crucial fixture that will test their credentials against one of Serie A’s established powers. Fans can follow updates on the club’s official website and social media channels.
The Hartono family’s story is a compelling example of how strategic investment and a long-term vision can transform a football club. Their success with Como 1907 is not only a triumph for the club and its supporters but also a significant moment for Italian football as a whole.
