Central Java DP3AP2KB Admits Daycare Oversight Regulations Remain Weak

The Head of the Department of Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning (DP3AP2KB) of Central Java Province, Ema Rachmawati, has stated that her office does not yet have data on the number of daycare business units in the Central Java region. She explained that oversight of daycares remains inadequate because there is no regulatory reference specifying who is responsible for such duties.

Ema mentioned that she is following the case of child abuse at Little Aresha Daycare in Yogyakarta City. She expressed deep concern over the incident. In response, Ema revealed that her office will begin registering daycares in Central Java.

She clarified that DP3AP2KB Central Java has not specifically recorded the existence of daycares in the region. “The daycare oversight system is indeed not yet adequate. Because the duties and functions of daycares are unclear—whether under the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment or BKKBN. There are two entities with relevant programmes: the Ministry of PPPA and BKKBN,” Ema said during an interview on Monday (27/4/2026).

“So until now, it has not been decided who has the authority to conduct oversight of daycares or to standardise them. This has not been established yet,” Ema added.

She stated that following the child abuse case at Little Aresha Daycare in Yogyakarta City, her office will endeavour to communicate with the central government, particularly the Ministry of PPPA. “We will try to discuss with the Ministry of PPPA who should be the leading sector for daycare oversight,” she said.