House of Representatives Calls for Professional Law Enforcement in Yogyakarta Daycare Case

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sari Yuliati has called for professional law enforcement in the investigation of alleged child abuse at a daycare in Yogyakarta. Sari, as per a statement received in Jakarta on Monday, expressed deep concern over the case. She emphasised that law enforcement agencies must investigate the matter thoroughly, transparently, and accountably. “We request that the legal process proceed professionally and impose firm sanctions on those proven to have committed violations. There must be no tolerance for any form of violence against children,” she said. Additionally, she urged the government, through relevant ministries and agencies, to promptly evaluate the licensing system, operational standards, and oversight mechanisms for all daycares in Indonesia. According to her, strengthening regulations is a crucial step to prevent similar cases in the future. “This incident must serve as a momentum for improving the child protection system, particularly in childcare facilities. The state must ensure that every child receives a safe, decent environment that supports their growth and development,” she stated. Sari also advised the public to be more selective in choosing childcare services and to actively participate in oversight, reporting any indications of violations immediately. She further reaffirmed her commitment to continue monitoring child protection issues as part of the state’s responsibility to safeguard and ensure the future of the nation’s next generation. Previously, the Yogyakarta City Police Resort had named 13 individuals as suspects following a case review on Saturday night (25/4), related to the alleged child abuse at Little Aresha Daycare in Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta City Police Chief Commissioner Eva Guna Pandia explained that the 13 suspects held various roles within the institution’s structure. “We have named 13 temporary suspects, consisting of one foundation head, one school principal, and 11 caregivers,” she said. The case stemmed from a police raid on Friday (24/4) as a follow-up to a report from a former daycare employee who witnessed alleged inhumane childcare practices. “The reporter observed improper treatment of babies and children, including alleged abuse and neglect, leading to their resignation and report,” the police chief clarified. The Yogyakarta City Police recorded a total of 103 children who had been placed at the daycare, with 53 of them verified as having experienced physical and verbal violence. Meanwhile, the Yogyakarta City Government stated it would form a team to provide psychological support to the victims. Yogyakarta Mayor Hasto Wardoyo, after receiving an audience from the victims’ parents in Yogyakarta on Sunday (26/4), said the parents requested protection for their children, including psychological support. “Some children show signs of poor psychological health, so we have discussed with the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) and relevant agencies; immediately after this, we will hold a meeting to form a support team,” Hasto said. On the other hand, in response to the case, the Special Region of Yogyakarta Regional Government is conducting a re-registration of daycares in Yogyakarta City, primarily regarding licensing. “We, together with the Yogyakarta City Agency, have conducted a rapid re-registration of existing daycares in the city. We also ask other districts to do the same,” said Head of the Yogyakarta Special Region’s Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, and Population Control Agency Erlina Hidayati Sumardi in Yogyakarta on Sunday (26/4).