The celebrity, through his attorney Machi Ahmad, is now actively pursuing an out-of-court settlement and restorative justice to avoid a formal trial.
Legal Status and Investigation Timeline
According to reports from CNN Indonesia, the legal proceedings against Ruben Onsu originated from a formal police complaint filed in August 2025 by an individual identified by the initial P, who represented a complainant named DM. The complaint accuses the presenter of fraud and embezzlement tied to a business venture involving product trade and profit-sharing schemes, which allegedly carried a total capital value of Rp3,5 miliar.
Following nearly a year of preliminary investigation, the South Jakarta Metro Police upgraded the matter to an official investigation phase in April 2026. After a formal case review held on August 20, 2026, investigators officially designated Ruben Onsu a suspect in the alleged investment scheme.
Defense Strategy and Restorative Justice Efforts
Ruben Onsu’s legal team has stated that the defense is prioritizing a persuasive resolution through mediation rather than prolonged courtroom litigation. According to attorney Machi Ahmad, speaking to Detikcom on Tuesday, both legal camps have agreed to pursue traditional dialogue and restorative justice mechanisms.
“We agree that in handling this Ruben Onsu case, we prioritize tabayyun, prioritizing persuasive ways,” Machi said. “And the complainant’s legal counsel also wants to resolve this without continuing to the trial realm, if possible doing mediation, finding common ground and a resolution like that.”
As part of these ongoing negotiations, the total financial compensation demanded by the complainant reaches Rp4,4 miliar, a figure that incorporates the initial investment capital of Rp3,5 miliar alongside accrued interest.
Upcoming Police Examination and Financial Restitution
In response to the criminal charges, Ruben Onsu is scheduled to undergo his inaugural police questioning as a formal suspect on August 28. Machi Ahmad confirmed that his client will fully comply with investigators and cooperate throughout the legal process.
Demonstrating initial financial restitution, the defense team noted that the television host has already returned a portion of the contested funds. According to Machi, the client has already sent back Rp 100 juta to the complainant as a sign of ongoing good faith.
“The effort for replacement, the effort for, yes, we are currently trying, yes, and we have also communicated with the complainant,” Machi explained regarding the ongoing reimbursement efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ruben Onsu named a suspect?
According to police records, Ruben Onsu was named a suspect following a formal case review on August 20, 2026, stemming from an investigation into an alleged Rp3,5 miliar product-trading investment fraud reported in August 2025.
What is the total financial amount demanded by the complainant?
The total financial compensation sought by the complainant reaches Rp4,4 miliar, which includes the initial Rp3,5 miliar capital investment plus calculated interest.
Will the case go to a formal trial?
Attorneys for both Ruben Onsu and the complainant are currently exploring mediation and restorative justice pathways to resolve the dispute without proceeding to court.
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