Airin: Daycare Case is a Humanitarian Emergency, Response Needed Through Concrete Regulations

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Women’s figure Airin Rachmi Diany views the incident at a childcare facility (daycare) in Yogyakarta not merely as a criminal statistic, but as a humanitarian emergency that must be addressed promptly with tangible policies. “My heart breaks as a mother hearing about the Yogyakarta case. A child is entrusted with full trust, yet becomes a victim of violence. This is not just about physical wounds, but about a stolen future and deep trauma that can last a lifetime,” Airin said in a statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday. One concrete step she initiated while serving as Mayor of South Tangerang (Tangsel) from 2011 to 2021 was providing daycare services at the City Hall building in Tangsel. Airin explained that this step was taken based on empirical experience regarding the needs of working mothers. While in office in Tangsel, she committed to child protection starting from the closest environment. “That’s why we provided daycare facilities in the office environment. The aim is for employees, especially mothers, to still carry out their parenting functions. They can work productively and calmly, knowing their child is in a monitored environment, with maintained safety standards, and within their reach,” Airin stated. Over two terms leading Tangsel, Airin focused on gender issues and fulfilling children’s rights. She explained that this vision was realised through strengthening institutions and social infrastructure. “Protection for women and children cannot just be rhetoric. In Tangsel, we strengthened the Integrated Service Centre for Women’s and Children’s Empowerment (P2TP2A) with adequate facilities so that victims have a safe place to lean on and receive free legal assistance,” she said. At that time, Airin also sought to make Tangsel a Child-Friendly City by ensuring the availability of playgrounds, libraries, and health centres with special child-friendly services. “For me, the state through the Tangsel City Government must be the first protector for those who are most vulnerable,” she stated. Although childcare infrastructure is available, Airin reminds that technology and facilities are merely aids. The Yogyakarta case must serve as a lesson that strict supervision and caregiver certification are absolute requirements that cannot be compromised. “Even though daycare facilities are available, the role of parents remains the most important. Office facilities are supports to ensure physical safety, but the touch and direct attention from parents is the main foundation for a child’s growth and development,” she said.