Ruben Onsu and Sarwendah fail child custody mediation

Mediation regarding the child custody dispute between Ruben Onsu and his former wife, Sarwendah, has failed at the South Jakarta District Court. Both parties attended the hearing on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, but were unable to reach an agreement.

Ruben Onsu’s legal counsel, Minola Sebayang, stated that the mediation failed due to a lack of mutual understanding between the principals. Onsu has expressed frustration over new conditions imposed by Sarwendah regarding his access to their children. He specifically requested direct, in-person meetings for significant moments, such as birthdays, rather than communicating via digital platforms like WhatsApp.

Onsu’s legal team noted that he is seeking to uphold previous agreements made before a notary and is no longer willing to accept new requirements that he believes contradict his conscience or legal rights as a parent. Following the failed mediation, the court is scheduled to proceed to the examination of the lawsuit in the next session.