Tio Ferdian Rahmana apologizes for controversial abortion remarks

Tio Ferdian Rahmana, a former tourism ambassador for East Java and Surabaya, has issued a public apology following a viral controversy involving WhatsApp messages in which he allegedly asked his partner to undergo an abortion.

Rahmana stated that the inappropriate communications occurred while he was in a state of panic. He clarified that he had previously offered marriage to the individual involved as a form of responsibility, though he noted the offer was not accepted. He expressed a desire to provide a complete picture of the events through documentation and witness testimony if required by authorities.

As a result of the controversy, Rahmana has been stripped of his titles as Raka Raki Jawa Timur and Cak dan Ning Surabaya for the 2023–2026 period. Additionally, his contract employment with the Surabaya City Government has been terminated.