Bronze-winning billionare

As one of Indonesia's two richest men, Michael Bambang Hartono wants for little -- and especially now that he has an Asian Games medal in his favourite pastime, bridge.

The tobacco and banking magnate, who has amassed a net worth of 11.8 billion dollars, was instrumental in persuading organisers to include the card game, slightly incongruously, in the regional Olympics for the first time.

At the Jakarta bridge venue, the 78-year-old tycoon is comfortably equipped, as befits his status as one of the vast Southeast Asian country's most powerful men.

Hartono has his own guarded VIP area where he can receive guests and conduct interviews, with its own meeting room, a flat-screen TV and a bed where he can take a nap.

"We are equal. So no privilege at all," he said.

Special treatment or not, Hartono, who is also Indonesia's oldest competitor at the Games, is now the proud owner of an Asian Games bronze medal in the supermixed team event.

Along with his brother Robert, Hartono has been named Indonesia's richest man by Forbes which also ranked him the 75th wealthiest in the world. He amassed his wealth from tobacco, banking and communications  -- using, he says, similar skills to those he employs for bridge.

"Bridge is like business. First you get the data, the information. You analyse the information, and then you make a decision. So business, real life and bridge are the same. Decision-making is the same," he said. "If you want to be a good leader, and you want to be a successful man, business man, play bridge. Never quit, never give up," he added.

Hartono has been playing bridge since he was six and loves the challenge of the game, but he says it's not his top priority.

"Number one priority is of course family. Number two is business. And if I have time I play bridge as a hobby. And also another hobby is music," said Hartono, who also enjoys tai chi.

Hartono isn't the only Indonesian business figure involved in the Games -- Erick Thohir, the media tycoon who is president of Inter Milan, is head of the organising committee.