Little Aresha Case: Commission VIII of DPR Demands Audit of All Daycares!

Dozens of children have become victims in the alleged inhumane treatment case at Little Aresha daycare in Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta City. Deputy Chairman of DPR Commission VIII Singgih Januratmoko has requested that all daycares in Indonesia be audited.

“The central government, together with local governments, needs to conduct a sweeping and thorough audit of all daycares in Indonesia, ensuring compliance with licensing standards and child protection,” Singgih stated to reporters on Monday (27/4/2026).

For Singgih, this case is not merely a legal violation by individuals but reflects systemic failures in child protection. Singgih explained that many daycares have proliferated without strict oversight from local governments or relevant agencies.

In fact, standard operating procedures for child care facilities are already available. The fact that Little Aresha daycare operated without a permit indicates weaknesses in regulatory enforcement.

“Daycares should be safe spaces for children’s growth and development. However, in this case, there were allegations of inhumane treatment, from neglect to physical violence causing deep trauma to the children,” Singgih emphasised.

Singgih also highlighted discrepancies between the promised facilities, such as air-conditioned rooms, proper beds, and educational resources, and the actual conditions. This, he said, indicates elements of fraud against parents as service consumers.

Singgih called for firm law enforcement to prevent such cases from recurring. He urged law enforcement authorities to thoroughly investigate this case to its roots, including possible systematic negligence by management.

Singgih also pressed for the formulation of stricter and more integrated regulations involving the Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, including obligations. Additionally, there needs to be a quick and safe reporting mechanism for parents and daycare staff, so that potential violence like that at Little Aresha can be prevented as early as possible.

“We in Commission VIII of the DPR appreciate the steps taken by the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection in deploying an assistance team for the victims,” he revealed.

However, moving forward, recovery for the victims must be more comprehensive, encompassing long-term psychological support, legal protection for victims’ families, and social rehabilitation for the victims. Singgih stressed that this incident must serve as a momentum for total reform of Indonesia’s child care system.

According to him, the state must not be defeated by negligence and indifference. Every form of violence against children is a serious violation of humanitarian values and the constitution.

Commission VIII of the DPR RI, he added, will continue to monitor this case until it is resolved, while ensuring the birth of policies that can guarantee the safety and welfare of Indonesian children in the future.

It was previously reported that police raided Little Aresha daycare on Friday (24/4). Officers found children in bound conditions during the raid.

The victims were mostly under two years old. Police then secured 30 people in the raid.

After intensive examination, 13 people were designated as suspects in the Little Aresha daycare violence case. The suspects include foundation leaders to caregivers.

Regarding the motive, it is still under police investigation. So far, there are 53 recorded child victims.

“So, until last night, we held a case review and then designated 13 people as temporary suspects,” said Yogyakarta Police Chief Kombes Eva Guna Pandia, quoted from detikJogja, Saturday (25/4/2026).