Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesian singer Denada Tambunan has publicly expressed deep regret over a decision made years ago: entrusting the care of her son, Ressa Rizky Rossano, to relatives in Banyuwangi, East Java. The revelation, shared during an appearance on the Feni Rose Official podcast, marks a significant shift in the narrative surrounding her relationship with her son and the circumstances that led to his upbringing away from her direct care.
The singer, known for her pop hits, revealed that she now views the decision as a mistake, stating, “That decision, I think, was the wrong one. If I could turn back time, oh, it would have been better if I had just… if I had just been with him.” This emotional admission comes after years of relative silence regarding the arrangements for Ressa’s care, sparking renewed public interest and scrutiny.
Denada’s regret was so profound that she confided in her late mother, Emilia Contessa, expressing her remorse. “I once told Mama and I really regret it, oh God, I really regret saying this. I told Mama, I regret it,” she shared, highlighting the lasting emotional impact of her choice. The singer’s vulnerability in discussing her feelings offers a rare glimpse into the personal struggles behind a public figure’s decisions.
The Reasoning Behind the Decision: A Desire for Family Stability
While acknowledging her regret, Denada clarified that her initial intention was not to abandon her son. She explained that she believed placing Ressa with family in Banyuwangi would provide him with a more stable and traditional family environment. “Ressa isn’t a mistake, Ressa wasn’t abandoned. I never abandoned him. I protected him, I fought for him, and I gave birth to him,” she emphasized. This statement directly addresses concerns that she had neglected her parental responsibilities.
At the time of the decision, Denada was a single mother, and she felt unable to provide the complete family structure she believed Ressa deserved. She specifically mentioned that relatives, Om Dino and Tante Ratih, had long expressed a desire for a son. “I thought it was perfect, given that Ressa would grow up where he would observe a father figure and a mother figure,” she explained. This desire to shield Ressa from the potential stigma associated with being raised in a single-parent household appears to have been a key factor in her decision-making process. The singer hoped that a more conventional family setting would offer Ressa a sense of belonging and stability.
Legal Challenges and Claims of Neglect
However, the situation has become considerably more complex in recent years. On January 9, 2026, Ressa Rizky Rossano, now 24 years old, filed a lawsuit against Denada in the Banyuwangi District Court, alleging abandonment. According to detik.com, the lawsuit, filed under case number 288, accuses Denada of “perbuatan melawan hukum” (unlawful acts) due to alleged neglect of her biological son. Ressa claims he only recently discovered Denada was his biological mother and is seeking acknowledgment and accountability.
Moh Firdaus Yuliantono, the plaintiff’s lawyer, stated that the lawsuit was filed because Ressa felt his rights as a child had been consistently ignored since birth. The legal proceedings have brought the long-held private matter into the public sphere, adding another layer of complexity to Denada’s emotional confession. A mediation attempt was held on January 8, 2026, but Denada did not attend, according to reports. The case is ongoing, and the court will likely schedule further hearings to address the allegations and determine the legal outcome.
Denada’s Public Image and Career
Denada Tambunan rose to prominence in the Indonesian music scene in the early 2000s with hits like “Pitik Gemoy.” She has maintained a presence in the entertainment industry, though her career has faced challenges in recent years. The current legal battle and her public admission of regret are likely to further impact her public image. The case has sparked considerable debate on social media, with many expressing sympathy for both Denada and Ressa, while others have criticized Denada’s initial decision.
The singer’s willingness to discuss her regrets publicly, however, could be seen as a step towards reconciliation and a desire to address the situation with transparency. Her explanation that she acted out of a desire to provide Ressa with a stable family life, while not excusing the legal claims, offers a nuanced perspective on a complex situation. The unfolding legal proceedings and Denada’s emotional response are captivating the Indonesian public and raising important questions about parental responsibility and the complexities of family relationships.
The Role of Family in Denada’s Decision
Denada’s decision to entrust Ressa’s care to her relatives was heavily influenced by her belief that a traditional family structure would benefit her son’s development. She specifically highlighted the desire of her relatives, Om Dino and Tante Ratih, to have a son, believing they could provide Ressa with the parental figures she felt unable to offer at the time. This highlights the cultural emphasis on family in Indonesia and the perceived importance of having both a mother and a father figure in a child’s upbringing.
Impact on Ressa Rizky Rossano
Ressa’s decision to pursue legal action after years of silence underscores the profound impact of his upbringing. The lawsuit suggests that he felt a lack of parental connection and a need for acknowledgment from his biological mother. The legal proceedings are not only a quest for accountability but also a search for identity and a desire to understand his own origins. The outcome of the case will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Ressa’s life and his relationship with Denada.
The Broader Context of Single Parenthood in Indonesia
Denada’s story resonates with broader societal challenges faced by single parents in Indonesia. While societal norms are evolving, single mothers often encounter stigma and practical difficulties in raising children. The pressure to conform to traditional family structures can be immense, and single parents may feel compelled to create tough choices to ensure their children’s well-being. Denada’s case highlights the complexities of navigating these challenges and the emotional toll they can capture.
The case also raises questions about the legal rights of children born to single parents and the responsibilities of biological parents to provide for their children’s emotional and financial needs. The outcome of Ressa’s lawsuit could potentially set a precedent for similar cases and influence future legal interpretations regarding parental responsibility in Indonesia.
As of March 17, 2026, the Banyuwangi District Court is scheduled to continue proceedings in the case filed by Ressa Rizky Rossano against Denada Tambunan. Further hearings are expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks to address the allegations of abandonment and determine the legal outcome. The public and legal observers will be closely watching the developments in this case, which has captured the attention of Indonesia and beyond. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and perspectives on this complex and emotionally charged situation in the comments below.