Facts on the Little Aresha Daycare Abuse Case: Babies Bound by Hands and Feet and Locked in the Bathroom
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, YOGYAKARTA – The alleged child abuse case at Little Aresha Daycare in Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), has drawn sharp condemnation. The DIY regional government has emphasised that the perpetrators’ actions are intolerable and must be thoroughly investigated. Moreover, the barbaric behaviour where innocent babies entrusted by parents in the hope of proper care were instead bound by their hands and feet, and even locked in bathrooms, is particularly egregious.
Head of the DIY DP3AP2KB, Erlina Hidayati Sumardi, stressed that violence against children is a serious violation of human rights. The DIY regional government has expressed full support for the ongoing investigation and law enforcement processes.
“We convey our sincere sympathy and empathy to the child victims and their affected families. Children are a collective trust that must be protected together,” said Erlina in her statement on Sunday (26/4/2026).
All involved parties must be processed according to legal provisions in a transparent, professional, and just manner. There is no room for compromise on violent practices, especially those targeting vulnerable children.
The DIY regional government has also confirmed that the daycare lacked an official permit. In response, the government has immediately instructed a re-registration and evaluation of all daycares in the DIY region.
“Unlicensed daycares are not permitted to operate. We demand a swift response to public reports and re-registration by relevant agencies to ensure better monitoring,” said Erlina.
“We will further strengthen complaint mechanisms and rapid responses to allegations of violence against women and children,” she added.
On the other hand, the regional government is also focusing on victim recovery. Handling is carried out through comprehensive assessments covering the children’s psychological and physical conditions, in collaboration with the Health Service and referral hospitals. All recovery costs will be covered by the government.
Not only the children, but the victims’ parents are also receiving trauma healing services, given the serious psychological impact of this case.
Far from Decent: The Daycare
Yogyakarta Police Resort Criminal Investigation Chief, Commissioner Rizky Adrian, described the conditions at Little Aresha as highly inadequate. There are three rooms, each approximately 3x3 square metres, but each is crammed with 20 children.
“So there are three rooms about 3x3 square metres, but filled with 20 children per room. This already points to discriminatory treatment. The children were neglected, some with their legs bound, hands bound, and even vomiting left uncleaned without any cleaning efforts,” he said.
Adrian revealed that the victims’ age range is highly vulnerable, from infants aged 0 to 3 months up to toddlers under 2 years. Based on the caregivers’ tenure of over a year, the abusive actions are suspected to have been ongoing for a long time. Police are now conducting marathon examinations of the suspects.
“Our officers directly observed that the children were treated inhumanely. Some had their legs bound, hands bound, and so on,” said Adrian.
Medical findings also show patterns of injuries including blistered skin, pinch marks, scratches, back wounds, and lip injuries. The majority of the children have been confirmed to suffer from pneumonia or lung infections.
Head of the Yogyakarta City DP3AP2KB, Retnaningtyas, stated that the daycare was unlicensed. She added that they are currently focusing on protecting and recovering the victims.
“Unlicensed, neither with the Education Service nor the Licensing Service. We are now registering all children and parents to provide psychological counselling and legal assistance through the PPA UPTD,” said Retnaningtyas.