Impact of Little Aresha Case: Sultan HB X Orders Closure of All Unlicensed Daycares

The Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, has instructed the closure of all childcare facilities or daycares that do not possess official permits. This policy follows the violence case at Little Aresha Daycare, which was found to be operating without a licence.

The Head of the Department of Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, and Population Control (DP3AP2) for DIY, Erlina Hidayati Sumardi, stated that this measure aims to ensure child protection is fully maintained without any gaps. “The Governor directed that those already operating without permits should be immediately closed and then promptly called in to process their licensing,” said Erlina on Wednesday (29/4/2026).

According to her, this firm step is necessary to prevent similar heartbreaking incidents from recurring. The Sultan, she continued, also emphasised that all forms of violence against children, especially in daycares, must not happen again.

The Sultan has also ordered relevant agencies to comb through all child care institutions in DIY. The focus is on distinguishing licensed daycares from those still operating illegally.

“This means there should be no more violence befalling our children, especially those in daycares or other institutions, whether educational or otherwise,” said Erlina.

“The instruction is to survey the field for any possible unlicensed daycares,” she added.