Ben Sumadiwiria’s rise to fame through his comedic persona Bobby Saputra, a parody of the ultra-wealthy, captivated millions on social media.
Ben Sumadiwiria, the man behind the popular persona Bobby Saputra, is a former chef who transformed into a viral internet star. Through his exaggerated and comedic portrayal of a rich, entitled heir to a Chinese Indonesian fortune, Bobby Saputra quickly gained a massive following across social media platforms. His content, which features extravagant lifestyles with luxury cars, yachts, and mansions, often leaves viewers wondering whether he is serious or in on the joke.
Born in Germany to Chinese Indonesian parents, Ben had a middle-class upbringing and experienced racial prejudice growing up. He later became a successful chef, cooking for high-profile clients like Adele and Timor-Leste’s President, but eventually decided to pursue a career in content creation. The character of Bobby Saputra emerged from Ben’s desire to poke fun at the wealthy elite, a group that intrigued him as he started spending more time in Indonesia. Bobby’s comedic over-the-top persona quickly resonated with audiences and went viral, gaining millions of views on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Despite the lavish portrayal of Bobby, Ben insists that he is very different from his character. In real life, he lives modestly and enjoys activities like surfing and cooking with friends. His videos are meant to be humorous and push boundaries, often poking fun at the absurdities of wealth and privilege, while embracing the idea of humor as a tool to challenge societal norms.
Today, Ben’s persona has attracted endorsements from major brands and has given him financial independence, allowing him to enjoy his passions without the need for a traditional job. However, he remains focused on creating content that makes people laugh, and while he’s unsure of how long he’ll continue, he’s proud of the global recognition his character has earned Indonesia.
