Minister of PPPA Responds to Daycare Violence in Aceh, Urges Child Protection Alert
The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) stated that the alleged assault on three children under two years old at a daycare in Banda Aceh serves as a loud alarm for all to prioritise child safety without compromise.
Furthermore, PPPA Minister Arifah El Qodri Fauzi noted that a similar violence case had previously occurred at a daycare in Yogyakarta. The Ministry of PPPA has coordinated with relevant units in Banda Aceh to monitor the victims’ condition and the ongoing legal process.
“We are deeply concerned and do not tolerate any form of violence against children, especially in environments whose primary mandate is caregiving. Children must not become victims of systemic negligence,” said PPPA Minister Arifah Fauzi in Jakarta on Friday.
Based on the investigation findings, the daycare was operating without an official permit, similar to the discoveries in the previous Yogyakarta daycare case.
According to her, legality is not merely administrative but an instrument of protection. Minister Arifah urged that every daycare must meet the standards of Child-Friendly Daycare (TARA), have clear legality, and undergo periodic evaluations and monitoring.
She also commended the swift action of the Banda Aceh City Police Resort (Polresta) in designating three caregivers as suspects, who are alleged to have committed physical violence, from slamming to hitting the victims.
In her view, this demonstrates the importance of competence and standards in the child caregiving profession.
“Strengthening human resources is crucial to prevent similar incidents from recurring. The Ministry of PPPA, together with the International Labour Organization (ILO), is preparing a Draft Special Work Standard in the Field of Child Care and Development to serve as a national reference for training, certification, and career development in child caregiving,” she stated.
Regarding the legal process, the suspects are charged under the Child Protection Law and/or the Criminal Code, with a prison sentence threat of 5 years and a fine of Rp72 million.
“We also appreciate the steps taken by the Banda Aceh City Government (Pemkot) in providing psychological counselling for the victims,” said the PPPA Minister.
Child recovery is not just about the physical, she said, but also ensuring their emotional wounds are properly addressed. Additionally, the daycare foundation has taken firm action by dismissing the perpetrators.
Arifah called on the public who hear, see, or know of child violence cases to boldly report to institutions such as the Integrated Service Unit for Child Protection (UPTD PPA), social sector UPTD, community-based service providers, and the police.
The public can also report via the Sahabat Perempuan dan Anak (SAPA) hotline 129 or WhatsApp (WA) 08111-129-129.