Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Warns Caregivers to Build Bonding with Children While Working in Daycare
The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection has reminded the importance of emotional bonding between caregivers and children in daycare services. This is to ensure childcare based on the fulfilment of children’s rights.
Assistant Deputy for Coordinating the Implementation of Child Rights Fulfilment Policies in Region II of the Ministry, Eko Novi Arianti, stated that caregivers do not only act as guards but must also be able to build strong emotional relationships with children.
According to her, this bonding is an important factor so that children feel safe and comfortable while in the daycare environment. “Caregivers in daycare must have a child rights-based childcare perspective. They do not merely care for the children but must also have bonding with them,” said Eko during a press conference in South Tangerang on Saturday (25/4/2026).
Eko explained that emotional bonding can be formed through consistent and attentive interactions between caregivers and children. She exemplified that in practice, this relationship can develop very closely until the child shows strong attachment to the caregiver.
In addition to building closeness, caregivers are also required to provide appropriate stimulation to support child development. This includes educational activities such as reading, storytelling, and interactions that encourage cognitive and emotional development.
“Caregivers must have patience and affection, and must not commit any form of violence, no matter how small,” said Eko.
The Ministry assesses that the existence of daycare today has become an important part of the alternative childcare system, especially amid the increasing number of working women.
Support for this childcare service is also strengthened through regulations, one of which is Law Number 4 of 2024 on the Welfare of Mothers and Children in the First Thousand Days of Life Phase.
According to Eko, the involvement of various parties, including the private sector, is needed to expand access to quality early childhood education services.
On the same occasion, Co-Founder of Mika Daycare and Preschool, Marta Yuliana, said that her side is striving to provide services that can support parents, especially working women, in carrying out dual roles.
She assessed that the challenge of balancing work and family has increased the need for safe and quality daycare services.
“We want to be a support system that allows parents to work more peacefully because their children are in a safe environment that supports their development,” said Marta.