Daycare Abuse Cases: House Commission VIII Stresses Child Protection as Top Priority

Jakarta - Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has stressed that child protection must be prioritised during discussions on alleged child abuse cases at daycare centres involving the government and victims’ families. “Commission VIII of the DPR RI views that child safety and protection must be the top priority,” said Commission VIII Deputy Chairman Singgih Januratmoko at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Tuesday. Singgih stated that all parties must not be negligent when children become victims of violence in environments trusted by parents as safe caregiving spaces. The meeting was attended by Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, Indonesian Child Protection Commission Chairman Aris Adi Leksono, and representatives of the families of the alleged daycare abuse victims. According to him, the meeting was held as a form of serious concern from Commission VIII regarding the rising number of child abuse cases in daycare facilities occurring in various regions recently. “These incidents raise deep concerns because they occur in spaces that should be safe havens for children to grow, learn, and receive care,” he said. He affirmed that this matter is regulated in Law Number 4 of 2024 concerning the Welfare of Mothers and Children During the First One Thousand Days of Life. The cases that have come to light, according to Singgih, demonstrate that child protection still faces challenges, both in terms of supervision, service standards, caregiver competence, and mechanisms for prevention and handling when violations occur. “This condition must not be regarded as an isolated case, but rather should serve as a momentum for a comprehensive evaluation of the governance of childcare services in Indonesia,” he stated.