Experts Highlight Legality Aspects in Little Aresha Daycare Jogja Case
The case of alleged abuse against children at the Little Aresha Daycare in Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta, has captured public attention from various sectors, including experts. Experts have sharply criticised the government regarding the legality aspects of the daycare.
Pri Hastuti, a lecturer at the Faculty of Health at Al Irsyad University in Cilacap, highlighted the legal aspects that are impermissible if ignored. According to her, early childhood education institutions and daycares must have official permits and meet the established standards.
“The fundamental question that needs to be answered is how an institution that does not meet standards or is even unlicensed can continue to operate?” said Pri Hastuti in her statement on Sunday (26/4/2026).
“The role of the government and related agencies, such as the education department, also deserves attention. Evaluation of the licensing process and supervision must be carried out seriously,” she added.
These days, said Pri Hastuti, the existence of full-day early childhood education and daycares plays a vital role amid the increasing busyness of parents. These services bear the responsibility of supporting child development and even becoming a second home for children.
Clear legality, according to the founder of Athahira Sewon Bantul Daycare, is the first benchmark for parents in choosing where to entrust their children. However, the stigma regarding high costs often becomes a barrier.
“Many parents are still trapped in one thing: cost. Seeking the cheap option due to limitations, or assuming that expensive means safe. In reality, it’s not that simple. Price is not a guarantee. Facilities are not a guarantee. Even the ‘school’ label is not a guarantee if the supervision system and integrity within it are fragile,” she said.
Therefore, the principle of prudence must be the main foundation. Parents need to be selective in choosing institutions, ensuring open and ongoing communication. Institutional transparency and good cooperation are the keys to sustaining good practices in child care.
However, with the revelation of the dark side of the Little Aresha Jogja case, according to Pri Hastuti, it poses a heavy task for the relevant parties, namely restoring public trust in early childhood education and daycares.
Collective commitment is needed between institutions, parents, and the government to rebuild public trust. Ensuring safety, comfort, and quality education is a necessity.
“Primarily, cooperation between institutions and parents is the key, accompanied by mutual trust and respect,” Pri Hastuti concluded.
Previously, police raided the Little Aresha Daycare in Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta, related to allegations of child abuse on Friday (24/4). During the process, police officers directly witnessed the carers’ treatment of the children.
“It is true that on the 24th, we conducted a raid on a child care facility where our officers directly saw that the children were treated inhumanely,” said the Head of Criminal Investigation at Jogja Police Resort, Commissioner Riski Adrian, to reporters on Saturday (25/4/2026).
“But indeed, in conclusion, it was inhuman. Because some had their legs tied, hands tied, and so on. That’s the general explanation I can give,” he added.
From preliminary examinations, Adrian continued, a total of dozens of children were victims. Nevertheless, investigators are still conducting further inquiries. The number of victims may continue to increase.
“For those we saw with acts of violence, there were about 53 people. By data, yes,” Adrian revealed.