Tessa Kaunang Biography: Ethnicity, Husband, Age, Twins, Net Worth, Career, Height, Parents, Advocacy

Tessalonica Indria Roxana Aryani Anis Kaunang, professionally known as Tessa Kaunang, is an Indonesian model, actress, television presenter, and politician whose graceful presence defined 1990s beauty contests before evolving into heartfelt sinetron roles and candid public advocacy.

A GADIS Sampul finalist at 17, she transitioned seamlessly from commercials to soaps like Cinta and Si Yoyo, later joining NasDem Party and running for DPR RI in 2019.

Profile

• Full Name: Tessalonica Indria Roxana Aryani Anis Kaunang
• Stage Name: Tessa Kaunang
• Born: 5, November 1976
• Age: 48 years old
• Birthplace: Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
• Nationality: Indonesian
• Occupation: Model, Actress, Television Presenter, Politician
• Height: 1.68m
• Parents: Arthur Kaunang and Mrs. Kaunang
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Sandy Tumiwa (m. 2006-2014)
• Children: Andisa Leota Anabel Tumiwa, Andisa Latafka Avram Tumiwa
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $800,000

Early Life and Education

Tessalonica Indria Roxana Aryani Anis Kaunang was born on November 5, 1976, in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.

Her father, Arthur Kaunang, a respected musician, introduced her to piano and ballet from age five, while her mother’s identity remains private.

No siblings are publicly documented.

She placed as a finalist in the 1993 GADIS Sampul contest while still in high school, propelling her into modeling.

Formal tertiary education is not disclosed, with her early career prioritizing arts training and on-set experience.

She is of Minahasan descent, and she practices Christianity as her religion.

Career

Tessa Kaunang first emerged in the entertainment industry in 1993 as a finalist in the GADIS Sampul competition, quickly securing a contract with Elite Models Jakarta.

Her early modeling success led to appearances in print and television commercials, highlighting her natural poise and screen presence.

Transitioning to acting by 1998, she debuted in the RCTI sinetron Cinta, later earning widespread recognition for her relatable portrayals in popular series such as Si Yoyo (2003) and Dongeng (2007).

Her work extended to film with roles in 5 Sehat 4 Sempurna (2002) and Buruan Cium Gue (2004), while her hosting role on Insert Pagi (Trans TV) refined her skills in live interviewing.

During the 2010s, Tessa balanced her burgeoning family life with a careful selection of acting projects, including leading roles in TV movies like Cinta di Ujung Tanduk (2015) and guest appearances on the long-running series Tukang Bubur Naik Haji (2014).

Her commitment to public service became evident when she joined the NasDem Party in 2016, advocating for women’s rights and running for a parliamentary seat representing East Java XI in 2019, where she garnered 48,000 votes.

Following her divorce, Tessa reengaged with her audience through a successful YouTube channel focused on empowerment and parenting, which has accumulated over 500,000 subscribers.

Today, Tessa Kaunang maintains a dynamic career, blending entertainment with activism.

Her ongoing appearances in FTV reruns and recent roles in Pintu Berkah (2023–2025) keep her connected to her acting roots.

Beyond the screen, she plays an influential role in political mentorship programs for NasDem youth and leads advocacy efforts for domestic-violence survivors as the founder of Pelita Hati, a support organization.

This combination of heartfelt performance and committed social leadership ensures her lasting impact across both cultural and civic arenas.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @tessakaunang_tuiiit
• Facebook Handle: Tessa Kaunang

Personal Life

Tessa Kaunang and actor Sandy Tumiwa tied the knot on July 22, 2006, in an extravagant ceremony held in Surabaya.

They had twins, Andisa Leota Anabel and Andisa Latafka Avram, in 2008.

The couple divorced in May 2014 following Tessa’s public accusations of physical abuse, which Sandy denied, yet she was awarded full custody by the courts.

Since then, Tessa has openly discussed her journey of healing, therapy, and navigating co-parenting, staying single but receptive to finding love with the right partner.

Filmography

• 5 Sehat 4 Sempurna (2002)
• Buruan Cium Gue (2004)

Net Worth

Tessalonica Indria Roxana Aryani Anis Kaunang has an estimated net worth of $800,000.

Her income comes from sinetron residuals, FTV payments, stipends from NasDem, and rental earnings from properties in Jakarta, along with occasional brand endorsements linked to her survivor advocacy efforts.