Police Reveal Identities of 13 Suspects, Yogya Daycare Case Still Under Investigation

Yogyakarta Police have confirmed that the number of suspects in the child abuse and neglect case at Little Aresha Daycare in Sorosutan, Umbulharjo, remains at 13, with no new suspects added as the investigation continues. Yogyakarta Police Chief Kombes Pol Eva Guna Pandia stated that the focus is on deepening the roles of each established suspect while exploring possible involvement of others. “The number of suspects remains 13 as of today. Eleven of them acted as caregivers. We are still investigating the motives,” said Eva Guna Pandia during a press conference at Yogyakarta Police Headquarters on Monday (27/4/2026). Among the 13 suspects, two are the main managers of the daycare: DK as the foundation chair and AP as the school principal. The other 11 are caregivers with initials FN, NF, LIF, EN, SRM, DR, HB, ZA, SLJ, DO, and DM. The full identities of these perpetrators are all women, with backgrounds as managers to caregivers. They hail from various areas, both in Yogyakarta and outside the region such as Central Java to Jambi. Pandia stated that all suspects have been detained. The authorities are still conducting intensive examinations, including tracing possible involvement of other parties beyond those already designated. “We are still investigating whether there is involvement, or how, there are no other suspects yet because we are focusing on the 13 suspects,” she said. The suspects are charged with layered articles related to child protection. These include Article 76A in conjunction with Article 77, Article 76B in conjunction with Article 77B, and Article 76C in conjunction with Article 80 of Law No. 35 of 2014 on Child Protection. These articles regulate criminal acts against children, from discrimination, neglect, to violence that threatens safety. Meanwhile, Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Arifah Choiri Fauzi has urged a thorough evaluation of the child care system, particularly daycare services. “The Ministry of PPPA continues to promote standardisation of childcare services through the Child-Friendly Nursery (TARA) policy, which emphasises safety, quality of care, caregiver competence, and ongoing supervision,” she said. Fauzi also requested local governments to conduct data collection and evaluation of all daycares to ensure the safety and suitability of services for children. The Little Aresha Daycare case serves as a serious warning to both the government and childcare service providers to tighten supervision and enhance professionalism in child care. “The current priority is to ensure the legal process runs firmly, transparently, and justly. All victims receive comprehensive protection as well as psychological and legal support. Thirdly, a thorough search is conducted to ensure no other victims are overlooked. This case also serves as an important reminder that the supervision system for childcare services, especially daycares, still needs to be strengthened,” she said.