Ruben Onsu

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]

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, he became a regular face on national television, hosting programmes such as Ceriwis, On The Spot, Kiss, Ranking 1, Pesbukers, Kontes Dangdut Indonesia, Liga Dangdut Indonesia, and Brownis.^[11]

Film and television acting

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]}

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]

Panasonic Gobel Awards

Indonesian Television Awards

Mom & Kids Awards

Kiss Awards

Other awards

Films

Television series

Television shows

Singles