Ruben Samuel Onsu (born 15 August 1983) is an Indonesian actor, television host, comedian, singer, producer, entrepreneur, and digital content creator. He is widely recognised as one of the most prolific television personalities in Indonesia, having appeared in a range of entertainment programmes since the late 1990s, including Lenong Bocah, Mamamia, Ceriwis, Kiss, Kontes Dangdut Indonesia, and Brownis. His energetic presenting style and ability to connect with audiences have made him a familiar figure on national television for more than two decades.[1]
Beyond his work in entertainment, Onsu has developed several successful business ventures, particularly in the culinary sector. He founded the Geprek Bensu restaurant chain, Big Ben Kopi, and a number of food and lifestyle brands that expanded across Indonesia. He also established Media Onsu Perkasa (MOP), a digital media company that produces online content, including the widely followed YouTube channel The Onsu Family, which documents his family life and has attracted millions of viewers.[2]
Onsu has received numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Panasonic Gobel Awards and Indonesian Television Awards for his popularity and consistency as a television presenter. His long-standing presence in variety shows and talent programmes has positioned him as one of Indonesia’s most recognisable entertainers.[3]
In March 2025, Onsu announced his conversion to Islam, a decision he described as the culmination of a personal spiritual journey. His first public appearance as a Muslim during the Eid al-Fitr prayer drew significant public attention and broad support, further adding to his prominence as a public figure in Indonesia.[4]
Early life and education
Ruben Samuel Onsu was born on 15 August 1983 in Jakarta to Johanes Abraham Onsu and Helmiah Chalifah. He is the second of three children, with an older sister, Ribka Samaria, and a younger brother, television personality Jordi Onsu. He comes from a culturally diverse background, with Minahasan–Chinese heritage from his father’s side and Arab heritage from his mother’s side. Onsu has often stated that growing up in a mixed-heritage household helped shape his open, adaptable, and family-oriented character.[5]
Onsu was raised in a modest environment and became accustomed to helping his family from an early age. Before entering the entertainment industry, he worked various part-time jobs, including as a parking attendant and later as a hotel cleaning service employee in North Jakarta. He has described these early experiences as formative in building his discipline, resilience, and work ethic.[6]
For his secondary education, Onsu attended Sekolah Menengah Industri Pariwisata (SMIP) in Jakarta, majoring in hospitality. His training in communication, service, and public interaction would later become valuable assets in his career as a television host and entertainer. In 2016, while actively working in the entertainment industry, he enrolled in the Communication Studies programme at Universitas Bung Karno. Due to increasing professional commitments, he withdrew from the programme in 2023.[7]
From a young age, Onsu showed an interest in performing arts and frequently took part in local stage activities. His natural comedic timing and expressive personality attracted early attention, eventually paving the way for his entry into the entertainment world during his teenage years.[8]
Career
Beginnings and Lenong Bocah
Onsu began his entertainment career in the late 1990s as part of the popular children’s comedy programme Lenong Bocah. The show introduced him to national audiences and became an important platform that shaped his early comedic identity. His appearances in the programme marked the start of a long and consistent presence in the Indonesian entertainment industry.[9]
Following his debut, Onsu took on several small acting roles in television series throughout the early 2000s, including the drama Bidadari. These early roles helped him build the foundation of his career and gain experience across different formats of television production.[citation needed]
Breakthrough as a television host
Onsu’s breakthrough came in 2007 when he was selected as a host for the talent show Mamamia. His energetic, approachable, and humorous presenting style quickly earned him recognition as one of the rising television hosts of his generation. The success of Mamamia opened opportunities for Onsu to host a wide variety of programmes across major Indonesian television networks.[10]
Alongside his presenting career, Onsu has acted in several films, including Tina Toon dan Lenong Bocah (2004), Anda Puas, Saya Loyo (2008), Pijat Atas Tekan Bawah (2009), Te(rekam) (2010), and Ummi Aminah (2012). He later appeared in Bus Om Bebek (2022), where he also served as an executive producer.[12]
On television, he has been involved in various drama and comedy series such as Bidadari, Gara-Gara Duyung, I-KTP, and Rohaya & Anwar: Kecil-Kecil Jadi Manten.
Variety shows and mainstream television
By the mid-2010s, Onsu had cemented his status as one of Indonesia’s most recognisable variety show personalities. He became known for his ability to blend humour, emotional warmth, and quick improvisation, qualities that contributed to the success of several long-running programmes.[13]
His work on Brownis and Kontes Dangdut Indonesia further strengthened his reputation as a presenter with broad audience appeal. These programmes positioned him as a dependable host for both family-oriented entertainment and competitive musical formats.[14]
Digital media and The Onsu Family
In the late 2010s, Onsu expanded into digital media by developing content for YouTube and social media platforms. His channel The Onsu Family quickly became one of Indonesia’s leading family-focused channels, attracting millions of subscribers. The channel features daily life, parenting themes, and behind-the-scenes moments.[citation needed]
Business ventures
Culinary enterprises
Onsu is widely recognised for his entrepreneurial work in the culinary industry. His most prominent venture is Geprek Bensu, a fast-growing chain of ayam geprek restaurants that expanded rapidly across Indonesia. The brand became popular for its accessible menu and strong digital marketing strategy, much of which drew upon Onsu’s public profile and engagement with younger audiences.[15]
In addition to Geprek Bensu, he established several other food and beverage brands, including Bensu Drink, Bensu Bakso, Bensu Nugget, Benseafood, and Thabenia Cake. Onsu also founded Big Ben Kopi, a contemporary coffee chain aimed at the urban lifestyle market. His involvement across these brands ranges from product development to marketing and brand positioning.[16]
Digital media and content production
Beyond food enterprises, Onsu expanded his business portfolio through Media Onsu Perkasa (MOP), a digital media company that produces online and television content. MOP oversees several online programmes and manages the popular YouTube channel The Onsu Family, which documents his family’s daily activities and lifestyle. The channel has attracted millions of followers and has become one of Indonesia’s most influential family-oriented digital brands.[17]
MOP’s growth marked Onsu’s transition from on-screen talent to a media producer, demonstrating his ability to adapt to shifting content consumption habits and the rise of digital platforms. Under his leadership, the company collaborates with various creators and develops a wide range of entertainment formats tailored for digital audiences.[18]
Trademark dispute involving Geprek Bensu
In the late 2010s, Geprek Bensu became the subject of a trademark dispute with another business operating under a similar name. The case proceeded through the Indonesian commercial court system and ultimately reached the Supreme Court. While the legal outcome required adjustments to certain branding elements, Onsu continued to expand his culinary and media ventures without disruption, maintaining his position as a prominent entrepreneur in the entertainment and culinary sectors.[19]
Onsu has publicly stated that challenges are a natural part of building a business and emphasised his focus on innovation, service quality, and product development as his key strategies for sustaining long-term growth.[20]
Personal life
His YouTube channel The Onsu Family documents daily routines, parenting moments, and family activities, contributing to his reputation as a family-oriented public figure.[21]
On 11 August 2012, Onsu became engaged to Sarwendah, a former member of the girl group Cherrybelle. The couple married on 22 October 2013 in Bali and were later blessed with two biological daughters, Thalia Putri Onsu and Thania Putri Onsu. They also adopted a son, Betrand Putra Onsu, who became an important part of the family’s public identity and personal life.[22]
In 2024, the South Jakarta District Court finalised the couple’s divorce. Despite the separation, Onsu stated publicly that maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship and prioritising the wellbeing of their children remained essential to both parties.[23]
Outside of entertainment, Onsu has participated in various charitable activities and community initiatives. He has been involved in fundraising efforts, social outreach programmes, and public-benefit projects, particularly those related to children’s welfare and community development.[24]
Conversion to Islam
On 31 March 2025, coinciding with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, Onsu publicly announced his conversion to Islam. The announcement, made through his social media platforms, received widespread attention and support from the public. Onsu described the decision as the culmination of a long period of personal reflection and spiritual exploration.[25]
He recited the shahada under the guidance of Habib Usman bin Yahya in Jakarta. Later that morning, Onsu performed his first Eid prayer as a Muslim at Masjid Fatahillah, Rempoa, accompanied by his long-time friend and fellow entertainer Ivan Gunawan. The moment was widely covered by national media and was regarded as a significant milestone in his personal life.[26]
In subsequent interviews, Onsu expressed that the transition brought him a sense of peace and clarity. He emphasised the importance of mutual respect, family harmony, and maintaining good relations across different faith backgrounds.[27]
Awards and nominations
Throughout his career, Onsu has received numerous awards from major Indonesian television institutions. He is particularly recognised for his work as a television host, winning several categories across the Panasonic Gobel Awards, Indonesian Television Awards, and other national entertainment events.[28]
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