World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
Martha Tilaar, founder of Sariayu cosmetics, dies at 89
Martha Tilaar, founder of the Martha Tilaar Group, died at 89 on Wednesday, October 14, in Jakarta.
She was also a key figure behind Sariayu, a well-known Indonesian cosmetics brand.
Her products brought Indonesian traditions and natural resources into cosmetics, including beauty practices drawn from old manuscripts in the Yogyakarta palace.
Tilaar was born in Kebumen in 1937 and studied beauty in the United States before building her business from a small salon in Menteng.
Her family and colleagues have remembered her contribution to Indonesia’s beauty industry and her support for women.
Her legacy connects local culture with modern cosmetics in Indonesia.
Her funeral is planned for Friday, October 16, at San Diego Hills in Karawang.
Martha Tilaar, founder of Martha Tilaar Group and the figure behind Sariayu cosmetics, died on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at age 89.
Wolipop reported that she died at 6:22 a.m. at Medistra Hospital in South Jakarta.
Her work helped bring Indonesian natural resources, traditions and culture into local beauty products.
Her family and the Tiara Kusuma beauty association paid tribute to her contributions to Indonesia’s beauty industry.
- Who
- Martha Tilaar, founder of Martha Tilaar Group and the figure behind Sariayu cosmetics.
- What
- She died at age 89.
- When
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Wolipop reported the time as 6:22 a.m.
- Where
- Medistra Hospital in South Jakarta, according to Wolipop.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Martha Tilaar was born in Kebumen.
She studied beauty at the Academy of Beauty Culture in Bloomington, Indiana.
She received an honorary doctorate in Fashion and Artistry from World University in Tucson, Arizona.
Tilaar died at age 89; Wolipop reported that she died at 6:22 a.m. at Medistra Hospital in South Jakarta.
Her planned burial at San Diego Hills in Karawang was reported by Wolipop.
- Age
- 89
- Reported time of death
- 6:22 a.m.
- Reported place of death
- Medistra Hospital, South Jakarta
- Birthplace
- Kebumen
- Born
- September 4, 1937
- Planned burial
- San Diego Hills, Karawang, on October 16, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
Thank you for all the inspiration, dedication, and contributions given to the Indonesian beauty industry.
Today DR. (H.C) Martha Tilaar has indeed left us all, but her legacy of knowledge, vision, and mission to beautify and advance Indonesia’s beauty industry will always be a valuable guide and principle for Martha Tilaar Group.