Daycare Little Aresha Has Operated Without a Permit Since the Beginning, Yogyakarta City Government to Regulate Daycares

The Yogyakarta City Government has confirmed that Little Aresha Daycare in the Umbulharjo area does not hold an operational permit. This was directly stated by Yogyakarta Mayor Hasto Wardoyo, following the emergence of allegations of violence against hundreds of children at the location.

“There is no permit, only the foundation exists, but no permit. There is no permit as a TPA (child care centre), no permit as PAUD or kindergarten,” said Hasto when met after attending an event in Yogyakarta City on Sunday (26/4/2026).

As a preventive measure, the Yogyakarta City Government will carry out regulation against all child care centres operating without official permits. “We will sweep places that provide child care in Yogyakarta City,” he said.

Hasto assured that his side has coordinated with various parties, including the police, to ensure handling is carried out maximally. “We have acted quickly, so yesterday morning we also held a meeting with KPAI. Then I also coordinated with the Head of the City Police, starting today I will meet with the family parties. Until tomorrow, we as the government must be present in the midst of the families,” he said.

The confirmation that the daycare does not have a permit was also reinforced by the Head of DP3AP2 DIY, Erlina Hidayati Sumardi. She emphasised that child care operations must comply with applicable legal provisions.

“Unlicensed daycares are not allowed to operate. We request a quick response to public reports and re-data collection by relevant agencies so that supervision is more monitored,” she said.

The Yogyakarta Provincial Government through DP3AP2 is preparing recovery steps for the victims, ranging from psychological assessments to physical health services. All handling costs are said to be borne by the regional government, including trauma healing for children and parents.

“The impacts can vary, so assessments are needed not only psychological but also physical. We will collaborate with the Health Service and designated hospitals. All handling and recovery costs will be borne by the Regional Government,” she said.