Ruben Onsu Wants to Be with His Children on His Birthday, But It Didn't Happen

The failed mediation between Ruben Onsu and Sarwendah at the South Jakarta District Court left one thing emphasized by Ruben, he only wants quality time with his children, especially on their birthdays.

"Because Ruben's request is not much. He just wants to have quality time with his children, like on their birthdays," said Minola Sebayang when met at the South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday (19/08/2026).

According to Minola, that simple wish has recently been difficult to realize due to new conditions from Sarwendah's side. Ruben also wants face-to-face meetings without technological mediation like WhatsApp for important moments with his children.

1. Ruben Onsu Wants a Direct Meeting, Not Via WhatsApp

Minola mentioned that one of the proposals made is that the children can be taken by a babysitter to the birthday celebration, so they can greet their father directly without having to send a message.

"What's wrong with sending the children with their babysitter, for example, to be present there to celebrate and greet him directly, not necessarily via WhatsApp to their father," he added.

This statement was made after a deadlock mediation at the South Jakarta District Court. According to him, face-to-face meetings are a priority for Ruben to maintain togetherness with the children on special days.

2. Previously Unconditional, Now Conditions Arise After Separation

Minola compared the current situation with the moment before the Umrah departure. At that time, Sarwendah took the children to meet Ruben directly without additional prerequisites.

"Directly, for example, like when she took the children to meet Ruben before Umrah, it could happen. And at that time, when she wanted to meet Ruben during Umrah, there were no conditions," said Minola.

He added that the children's absence at important moments is a great disappointment for Ruben. The question that arises is why new conditions seem to appear now, after they have separated.

"She didn't say, 'I want the children to say goodbye and wish you well for Umrah, but if you don't meet this condition, we won't,' there was none of that. Why do we need to have things like that now? Especially during the birthday moment," he continued.

3. Right to Gather 2–3 Days Per Week, Referring to Act 39

According to his account, for Ruben, time with his children is the top priority. He requests the fulfillment of the right to gather as stated in Act 39, which is 2 to 3 days each week.

"The only problem is Ruben says, 'I just don’t ask for much. I just want to have quality time with my children like in the early days of the divorce,'" said Minola.

This request is reiterated as an effort to maintain the routine of togetherness as in the early days of the divorce, emphasizing important moments like birthdays and significant family days.

(kpl/far/phi)