Eko Sulistyo
The dissolution of the high-profile marriage between Ruben Onsu and Sarwendah Tan has transitioned from a private family matter into a sprawling public discourse, further intensified by recent statements from social media personality Lisa Mariana. As the former couple navigates the complexities of their post-marital lives, including disputes over alimony, child visitation rights, and the division of assets, the narrative has been complicated by external voices and digital spectators. On Thursday, June 4, 2026, Lisa Mariana took to her social media platforms to offer a staunch defense of Ruben Onsu, providing a counter-narrative to the criticisms currently circulating against the veteran presenter and businessman.
The rift between Ruben and Sarwendah, once considered one of Indonesia’s most resilient celebrity couples, has dominated headlines for several months. However, Mariana’s intervention marks a shift in the public conversation, moving away from legal technicalities toward a character assessment of the individuals involved. By sharing her personal experiences with Ruben Onsu, Mariana aims to humanize a figure who has recently been the target of significant online vitriol, while simultaneously raising sharp questions regarding the timeline and motives behind the couple’s separation.
The Context of the Ruben-Sarwendah Separation
To understand the weight of Mariana’s defense, one must look at the trajectory of Ruben Onsu and Sarwendah’s relationship. Married in October 2013, the couple spent over a decade building a massive media empire under "The Onsu" brand. Their family life, including their two biological daughters, Thalia and Thania, and their adopted son, Betrand Peto Putra Onsu, was documented extensively on YouTube and television, garnering millions of followers.
However, the "golden couple" image began to fracture in late 2024 and throughout 2025, as rumors of a domestic rift surfaced. By the time the divorce was finalized in early 2026, the public was divided. Issues regarding financial support and the emotional well-being of the children became central themes in the media coverage. The 2026 legal proceedings have been particularly contentious, with leaked reports suggesting disagreements over the "nafkah" (maintenance) and the frequency of Ruben’s access to his children, who primarily reside with Sarwendah.
Lisa Mariana’s Public Testimony
Lisa Mariana’s decision to speak out was prompted by what she perceives as an unfair portrayal of Ruben Onsu in the wake of the divorce. In an Instagram post that quickly went viral, Mariana detailed a period in her own life when she was the subject of national criticism. During that difficult time, she claims that Ruben Onsu was one of the few prominent figures to offer her moral support and constructive advice, despite the potential risks to his own reputation.
"I’m just observing like a netizen for a moment," Mariana wrote on her official account. "But I must testify that Ruben Onsu is one of the big celebrities who is truly kind. He gave me a lot of positive advice even when the entire country was condemning me." This testimony serves to highlight a side of Onsu that is rarely seen behind the choreographed segments of his television shows—a mentor figure who provides a support system for colleagues and acquaintances during their lowest points.
Mariana’s defense did not stop at character witness; she also addressed specific criticisms regarding Onsu’s public persona. For years, Ruben Onsu has utilized a flamboyant and "campy" (locally referred to as ngondek) comedic style, a trait he shared with the late legendary comedian Olga Syahputra. Mariana argued that this persona is strictly a professional requirement for the camera, a "gimmick" that has been part of his career since his early days in the industry.
Addressing the Longevity of the Marriage
One of the more pointed aspects of Mariana’s statement involved a direct challenge to the criticisms aimed at Ruben’s character and lifestyle. She questioned the logic of Sarwendah remaining in the marriage for over eleven years if the issues being cited now were truly unbearable. Mariana’s rhetoric suggests that the longevity of the union and the birth of three children serve as evidence that the relationship was, at one point, based on genuine mutual understanding rather than the "incompatibilities" currently being discussed in the media.
"If he was truly like that, why stay for eleven years of marriage, Wen?" Mariana asked rhetorically in her post, addressing Sarwendah. "There are three children involved. What were you waiting for all that time? Was it the wealth?" This line of questioning touches upon a sensitive nerve in celebrity divorces—the suspicion of financial motives versus emotional grievances. While Mariana’s comments are speculative, they reflect a growing sentiment among a segment of the public that believes the narrative of the divorce is being manipulated for optics.
The Role of Betrand Peto and Family Dynamics
The family dynamic is further complicated by the position of Betrand Peto, the teenage singer from East Nusa Tenggara who was legally adopted by the couple in 2019. Recent reports have highlighted Betrand’s biological father’s comments, which suggest that the young man feels a deep sense of comfort and belonging with both Ruben and Sarwendah, regardless of their marital status.
The "Onyo" (Betrand’s nickname) factor has been a recurring theme in the public’s fascination with The Onsu family. Even as the parents separate, the stability of Betrand’s career and his emotional state remain high-priority topics. Mariana’s defense of Ruben indirectly supports the idea that the household Ruben built was one of kindness and opportunity, particularly for Betrand, who rose from humble beginnings to become a national star under Ruben’s tutelage.
Allegations and the "New Partner" Controversy
In a move that added further fuel to the fire, Mariana’s post alluded to rumors of a new romantic interest in Sarwendah’s life. Without providing specific names or evidence, Mariana suggested that the person Sarwendah is allegedly seeing does not compare favorably to Ruben. These comments have sparked a new wave of speculation on social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), where fans have begun dissecting Sarwendah’s recent social circles.
It is important to note that Sarwendah has not officially confirmed any new relationship, and her legal team has consistently maintained that the divorce was a result of irreconcilable differences and a desire for both parties to find peace. Mariana’s aggressive stance represents a "Team Ruben" faction that is becoming increasingly vocal as the post-divorce fallout continues to play out in the public eye.
Timeline of Key Events in the Ruben-Sarwendah Narrative
The following timeline outlines the major milestones leading up to the current controversy:
- October 2013: Ruben Onsu and Sarwendah Tan marry in a high-profile ceremony in Bali.
- 2015 – 2019: The couple welcomes daughters Thalia and Thania. In 2019, they officially adopt Betrand Peto, expanding their family and their digital brand.
- 2021 – 2023: The "Geprek Bensu" business empire faces legal trademark battles, but the couple remains united. Ruben experiences several health scares, with Sarwendah publicly supporting his recovery.
- Late 2024: Rumors of the couple living in separate houses begin to circulate in the infotainment media.
- Early 2026: The divorce is finalized. Public debates regarding alimony and child custody begin to intensify.
- June 4, 2026: Lisa Mariana publishes her defense of Ruben Onsu, sparking a renewed national conversation about the divorce.
Broader Implications and Media Analysis
The involvement of third parties like Lisa Mariana in celebrity divorces highlights the evolving nature of public relations in the digital age. In the past, such disputes were handled through official press releases or tightly controlled interviews. Today, the "battle of the narrative" takes place in the comments sections of Instagram and through the testimonials of friends and associates.
From a journalistic perspective, Mariana’s statements serve as a reminder of the complexity of public figures. Ruben Onsu’s career has been built on a foundation of accessibility and relatability. By defending his character, Mariana is attempting to preserve the "Ruben Onsu" brand, which is intrinsically tied to his reputation as a "good man" and a "devoted father."
The impact of this public feud extends beyond the individuals involved. It raises questions about the "sanctity" of reality-style celebrity branding. When a family’s entire existence is monetized through vlogs and endorsements, the collapse of that family unit becomes a public commodity. The debate sparked by Mariana is not just about Ruben and Sarwendah; it is about the expectations the public places on the celebrities they follow.
Official Responses and Future Outlook
As of the evening of June 4, neither Ruben Onsu nor Sarwendah has directly responded to Lisa Mariana’s specific allegations or her defense of Ruben. Ruben has generally maintained a policy of silence regarding the intimate details of his divorce, often stating in interviews that he wishes to protect his children from the "digital footprint" of the conflict. Sarwendah, meanwhile, has focused on her career and her role as a mother, frequently posting content that emphasizes her independence.
Legal experts suggest that the public nature of these statements could potentially influence future mediation sessions, particularly regarding the public image clauses often found in high-net-worth divorce settlements. If the "war of words" continues to escalate, it may necessitate a more formal intervention from both legal teams to prevent further reputational damage to the "Onsu" brand, which remains a significant source of income for both parties.
The testimony of Lisa Mariana has undoubtedly added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing Ruben-Sarwendah saga. By positioning Ruben as a victim of circumstance and a misunderstood benefactor, Mariana has challenged the prevailing narrative and forced the public to reconsider their stance on one of Indonesia’s most talked-about separations. As the dust settles on this latest development, the focus remains on the well-being of the three children involved and the eventual resolution of a legal battle that has captivated a nation.
