KPAI Highlights Discovery of 11 Babies in Sleman, Suspects Child Rights Violations
Commissioner of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) Diyah Puspitarini has highlighted the discovery of 11 babies at a midwife’s house in Padukuhan Randu Wonokerso, Hargobinangun, Pakem, Sleman. Diyah assessed that there are indications of child rights violations in the case.
“There is clearly a violation of children’s rights if children are left for more than 24 hours, and the midwife also intentionally allowed this without permission and without fulfilling the children’s basic rights,” Diyah told reporters on Wednesday (13/5/2026).
Her team, along with the Sleman Child Protection Task Force (KPAD), participated in the raid on the location. Diyah stated that the midwife claimed the place was a daycare. However, according to her, the daycare was illegal and requires further investigation.
“The midwife’s admission is that it is a daycare and illegal. However, it needs to be investigated further due to some findings and our notes,” she said.
KPAI recorded that the daycare had recently moved from Gamping to Pakem, a considerable distance away. Additionally, the daycare had no identification signs on the outside, despite reportedly operating for five months in Pakem.
“Furthermore, this daycare has children staying overnight, meaning infants under one year should be with their mothers to fulfil basic rights such as exclusive breastfeeding, which has not been met. The facilities and infrastructure of the daycare in Pakem are also far from childcare standards, especially with 11 babies under one year old cared for by only three caregivers,” she explained.
KPAI supports law enforcement in developing the case, including investigating potential baby trafficking.
“Therefore, we hope for and support the efforts of law enforcement to develop the case, whether there is suspicion of baby buying and selling, including tracing fund transfers from parents to the caregivers that need to be investigated,” she stated.
According to her, there are indications of child exploitation and neglect in the case. She urged that it be thoroughly investigated.
“Indirectly, yes,” she said.
Previously, residents in Padukuhan Randu Wonokerso, Hargobinangun, Pakem, Sleman, were shocked by the discovery of the babies at the midwife’s house. The babies are said to be mostly from out-of-wedlock relationships.
Sleman Police Resort Criminal Investigation Chief AKP Mateus Wiwit Kustiyadi explained that initially, officers received suspicious information regarding the presence of dozens of babies at the house. The babies were cared for by three people.
Police officers and related agencies evacuated the 11 babies from the midwife’s house. According to the police, the midwife had been assisting in deliveries for the past five months.
“Of course, we felt there was something suspicious about the presence of 11 babies in Hargobinangun at a house cared for by three people,” Wiwit told reporters.