If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably encountered Bobby Saputra—the sunglasses-wearing, yacht-hopping, self-proclaimed “heir to Asia’s seventh richest man” who flaunts a life so lavish it makes Crazy Rich Asians look low-key. But here’s the twist: Bobby isn’t real. He’s the brainchild of Ben Sumadiwiria, a 31-year-old Indonesian-German chef turned master troll who’s turned satire into social media gold. With over a million followers hooked on his over-the-top antics, Bobby’s videos blur the line between outrageous fiction and relatable humour. This rising fame naturally led to all kinds of brands lining up to collaborate with him for influencer marketing in Singapore. From high-end fashion to luxury supercars, many companies are now drawn to the viral appeal of his online persona. But who’s the man behind the Rolex-clad persona? Let’s dive in.
1. Bobby’s “Billionaire” Life is a Middle-Class Lie
Bobby Saputra may appear to be a luxury influencer who brags about private jets and Aqua water empire connections, but Ben’s real life is way more down-to-earth. Born in a small German town, he grew up in a gritty Berlin neighbourhood he calls “not for the faint-hearted.” His dad’s a doctor, his mom ran a restaurant, and Ben himself once lived in his mom’s apartment with “barely 10 pairs of shoes.” The irony? His viral character mocks the same ultra-rich Chinese Indonesian circles he once found baffling. “Where’s your Ferrari?” people used to ask him. Now, he’s pretending to own three.
2. He Faked His Way Into the Ambani Wedding
Remember that video of Bobby partying at the $600 million Ambani wedding in July 2024? The truth is that he was never there. Ben spliced clips of himself dancing at a friend’s wedding with stock footage of the actual event. The result? A viral masterpiece that fooled millions—and celebrities—into thinking he’d rubbed shoulders with Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani. The video raked in over 10 million views across platforms, proving you don’t need a golden invite to crash the internet’s biggest parties.
3. He’s Cooked for Adele, Akon, and a Nation’s President
Before Bobby Saputra went viral, Ben was a globetrotting chef with a résumé wilder than his TikTok persona. He’s whipped up meals for Adele, Akon, and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, served as Etihad Airways’ in-flight executive chef, and even cooked for East Timor’s President José Ramos-Horta. These days, he merges his two worlds: hosting exclusive dining events (streamed to millions) where he plates haute cuisine as Bobby. This makes Ben a great candidate not just for KOL marketing about the finer things in life but also for gourmet experiences that bear his stamp of approval.
4. He Once Went Temporarily Deaf for Clout
Long before Bobby, Ben was a food vlogger who’d do anything for views. In 2016, he filmed himself eating Jakarta’s infamous “Death Noodles,” loaded with 100 bird’s eye chillies. The heat was so intense that he went deaf for 30 minutes—but the stunt landed him in The Daily Mail and went viral globally. His takeaway? “I didn’t want to pay for my food. So I thought, ‘Let’s get meals for free by talking about them.’” A true hustler at heart.
5. Bobby Was Born as a Joke About His Own Identity
Ben grew up in Germany and London, clueless about his Chinese Indonesian roots. When he finally visited Indonesia as an adult, he was stunned by the wealth and cultural quirks of the community. Bobby started as a joke: “What if I were so Chinese Indonesian rich that I ate at fancy restaurants every day?” The character—a clueless, flex-happy heir—was his way of poking fun at stereotypes while learning about his heritage. Turns out, playing a “dumb” billionaire requires serious smarts.
6. Bobby’s Secret to Viral Success? Authentic Collaboration
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In an interview with GetKobe, Ben revealed that going viral isn’t just about making eye-catching content—it’s about fostering genuine partnerships between brands and creators. According to him, the most effective collaborations happen when brands trust creators to tell stories in their own unique way, allowing messages to truly connect with audiences.
Bobby’s approach to viral success extends beyond attention-grabbing content—he understands the importance of brand-creator relationships. He believes that the most impactful collaborations happen when brands allow creators to express themselves authentically, resulting in content that feels natural and resonates deeply with audiences, rather than coming across as forced or overly scripted.
Conclusion
Bobby Saputra might be the internet’s favourite fictional billionaire, but Ben Sumadiwiria is the real deal: a chef, storyteller, and social media savant who knows how to stir the pot (both literally and figuratively). Whether he’s faking yacht parties or serving caviar to celebs, Ben’s genius lies in keeping us guessing: Is this guy for real? Spoiler: He’s not. And that’s exactly why we can’t look away.
Want to cut through the noise with influencer campaigns that deliver real ROI? At GetKobe, we leverage data-driven strategies and authentic engagement to connect your brand with influencers who spark meaningful conversations. From viral moments to sustained growth, our team crafts campaigns tailored to your unique objectives. Let’s turn clicks into customers—contact us today and see how strategic influencer partnerships can transform your brand’s trajectory.
Image Credit: @supercoolben
