BPKN urges local governments to conduct regular oversight of daycares
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Republic of Indonesia National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN RI) has urged local governments to conduct regular supervision of childcare institutions (daycares) operating in their jurisdictions.
This request was specifically directed to the Special Region of Yogyakarta Provincial Government through the Yogyakarta City Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning Office (P3AP2KB), following a child abuse case at a daycare.
“Supervision must be carried out periodically and thoroughly. There should be no more illegal daycares operating without clear standards. This concerns the safety of the future generation,” said BPKN Chairman Mufti Mubarok, quoted in Jakarta on Sunday.
The case came to light after police raided the daycare located in Sorosutan, Umbulharjo, on Friday (24/4). Investigations revealed that the childcare facility did not have an official operational permit from the local government.
“BPKN appreciates the swift response of the police in following up on public reports. This demonstrates the state’s presence in protecting consumers, particularly vulnerable groups such as children,” he stated.
Furthermore, Mufti emphasised that daycares are part of the service sector that must meet consumer protection standards, including security, safety, and operational legality. The absence of a permit, he said, is an initial indication of serious violations that could harm consumers, in this case parents and children.
BPKN recommends providing free counselling services, establishing integrated recovery centres, and conducting periodic monitoring of victims’ psychological conditions. This approach is deemed essential to prevent long-term impacts on child development.
Meanwhile, local governments, along with relevant parties such as the DIY P3AP2 Office, Yogyakarta City KPAI, and the DIY Violence Victim Protection Forum, are providing psychosocial support to the victims. Support also needs to be given to families through integrated services to ensure optimal recovery.
BPKN also encourages the legal process to proceed transparently and provide a deterrent effect for the perpetrators, while serving as a warning to similar service providers to comply with applicable regulations.