MP: Violence in Daycare Evidence of Weak Supervision

Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, Singgih Januratmoko, assesses that there is a structural problem in the alleged violence against 53 children carried out by Daycare Little Aresha in Yogyakarta City. The Chairman of the Yogyakarta Golkar Party Regional Leadership Council expresses concern and views it as a slap to Indonesia’s child protection system. “This case is not merely a legal violation by an individual, but reflects a systemic failure in child protection,” he stated in a written release on Monday, 27 April 2026. The reason is that many daycares operate without strict supervision from local governments or related agencies. However, Singgih notes, standard operating procedures (SOP) for child care facilities are actually available. With the fact that Daycare Little Aresha operated without a permit, this is seen as indicating weak enforcement of regulations. On the other hand, parents as service users do not receive adequate information access, both regarding facilities, child-rearing methods, and daily child supervision. “A daycare should be a safe space for child development. However, in this case, there have been allegations of inhuman treatment, from neglect to physical violence that causes deep trauma to the children,” Singgih stated. Singgih also highlights allegations of fraud in the form of discrepancies between the promised facilities and the actual conditions on the ground. For example, air-conditioned rooms, proper beds, and adequate educational facilities. Singgih urges law enforcement officials to thoroughly investigate this case, including tracing possible systematic negligence by daycare managers. Singgih encourages that the determination of 13 suspects must be followed by a transparent and fair legal process. “The central government together with local governments need to conduct a sweeping and comprehensive audit of all daycares in Indonesia, ensuring compliance with licensing standards and child protection,” he said. Singgih states that this incident must become a momentum for improving the child care system in Indonesia. All forms of violence against children are serious violations of humanitarian values and the constitution. He asks the state to prevent negligence and indifference towards child care. Singgih then urges the government through the Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection to formulate firm regulations on child care. There also needs to be a quick and safe reporting mechanism for parents and daycare workers, to prevent the recurrence of violence like at Little Aresha. “We in Commission VIII of the House of Representatives appreciate the steps taken by the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection which has deployed an assistance team for the victims. However, recovery for the victims must be carried out more comprehensively, namely covering long-term psychological assistance, legal protection for victims’ families, and social rehabilitation for the victims,” said Singgih.