Family with rare facial condition turns TikTok fame into powerful message of self-love

A family in Indonesia with a rare, undiagnosed facial condition is turning heads online — but not for the reasons you’d think. Their powerful story of resilience and self-love is now reaching millions around the world through TikTok.

In a small village in Indonesia lives the Manurung family — a family that looks unlike any other. Out of six siblings, four — Sri, Mairani, Tiur, and Surya — along with their father, share a mysterious facial condition that has caused their faces to change over time. No one knows exactly why.

Doctors have yet to give a diagnosis. Some speculate it could be Parry-Romberg Syndrome, a rare disorder where facial tissue slowly wastes away, or perhaps Treacher Collins or Barber-Say Syndrome — both genetic disorders that affect facial development. Despite the uncertainty, the family has embraced their uniqueness.

Their sister Tiur, who does not have the condition, says she used to wonder why she looked different from her siblings. “I always used to think about it,” she said in a documentary by Truly. “But when I got older, I realized it must be genetics.”

Living proudly, facing the world

While the Manurung family is accepted in their village, they often face stares when they go into town. But they don’t let it bring them down.

“When we walk around our village, we don’t have any problems,” Surya said. “But out of town, people who’ve never seen us look surprised. Still, we accept it and just live with it. We are thankful — it’s a gift from God.”

Tiur admitted that it’s hard seeing her siblings deal with ridicule. “I feel bad that they’re not like me,” she said. “When they feel sad, I do too.”

Instead of hiding, the Manurungs decided to share their story with the world.

From local village to global platform

The family launched a TikTok account where they post cheerful videos of themselves dancing, laughing, and enjoying life. With over 2.9 million followers, their page is full of joy — and a message: Love yourself just the way you are.

“We went viral on TikTok,” said their mother, Mardiah. “People thought we did it for pity, but that’s not true. We’re using this opportunity to earn a living and improve our lives.”

Their online success has helped them build a better future. Surya even found love, recently marrying Shasa Puspita Dew.

A message the world needs to hear

In a world that often values appearance over character, the Manurung family stands out — not just for how they look, but for their strength and unity. They’ve shown millions that beauty comes in many forms and that confidence grows when we stop trying to hide who we are.

They’re not asking for sympathy. Instead, hey’re spreading hope.

“This condition doesn’t affect our daily life,” Tiur said. “So it’s not a problem — it’s part of who we are.”

The Manurungs remind us that everyone deserves to feel seen, accepted, and loved — no matter how they look. Their story is not just about a rare condition; it’s about using one’s difference to uplift others and change how we think about beauty.

They’ve turned what could have been a quiet life marked by isolation into a worldwide movement for self-love, resilience, and kindness.

In a world quick to judge by appearances, the Manurung family offers a powerful lesson: Our value isn’t in how we look — it’s in how we live, love, and uplift others.

Let their story be a reminder to look past the surface — because what makes us different often makes us beautiful.