MP: Daycare in Indonesia Must Undergo Comprehensive Evaluation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission III, Abdullah, stated that daycare or childminding practices must be evaluated comprehensively, in light of a case of violence against several children entrusted to a daycare in Yogyakarta.

He emphasised that the number of daycares in Indonesia is very large, even reaching thousands as recorded. However, he assessed that not all of these practices meet licensing standards, operational procedures, or adequate quality.

“Therefore, I propose that the regulations for establishing daycares and their SOPs be improved and significantly tightened,” said Abdullah in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.

He cited daycare practices in countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, which are regulated strictly. In addition, those countries also integrate daycares into the child protection and education system.

To that end, he proposed that the daycare system in Indonesia utilise a profiling or screening mechanism by parents through applications or digital platforms.

In addition, he said the state needs to maximise daycare services, including providing subsidies as a form of responsibility in fulfilling the right to a decent standard of living for toddlers and children.

Regarding this, he also condemned the child violence committed at the Little Aresha daycare in Yogyakarta. According to him, such heinous acts lack humanity and violate Indonesian law.

As a legislator handling law enforcement matters, he asked the authorities to take maximum action against all parties involved, both the managers and the founders of the daycare.

“I also urge other competent agencies to optimally restore physical and psychological trauma for the children and parents who are victims of that daycare,” he said.