Lawmaker demands full probe into Yogyakarta daycare abuse scandal

Selly Andriany Gantina, a member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, said the case highlights a “tragic humanitarian issue” and exposes systemic failures in child supervision and protection within formal care institutions.

“The fact that hundreds of children have become victims is not just a number, it is a serious humanitarian tragedy,” she said on Sunday.

Quoting House Speaker Puan Maharani, Gantina stressed that perpetrators must face the maximum penalties under Indonesia’s Child Protection Law (Law No. 35/2014), with no exceptions.

She argued the violence likely persisted over a long period, pointing to negligence across multiple supervisory bodies.

The lawmaker also criticized weaknesses in daycare licensing and oversight, warning against the commercialization of childcare without adequate safeguards.

To prevent recurrence, she urged a national audit of all daycare centers, covering legality, operational standards, and caregiver competence.

She also called for ministries, local governments, and the National Commission for Child Protection to provide comprehensive psychosocial support for victims and families.

“Children are the most vulnerable group and must be fully protected by families, communities, and the state,” Gantina emphasized.

She added that the incident should serve as a turning point for Indonesia to strengthen child safety through firm regulation and active government monitoring, rather than leaving protection to market forces.

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Translator: Tri Meilani A, Resinta Sulistiyandari