Roles of New Suspects in Yogyakarta Daycare Abuse Case Revealed

The Yogyakarta City Police (Polresta Jogja) have disclosed the roles of 14 new suspects in the child abuse case at the Little Aresha daycare, following a reconstruction of the events. The announcement brings the total number of suspects in the case to 27.

Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit, Kompol Risky Adrian, stated that the determination of the new suspects was made after a reconstruction held on Thursday, July 2. “From the case review, participants were convinced of criminal acts by 17 individuals, but only 14 were named as suspects,” Adrian explained.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Women and Children Protection Unit, Iptu Apri Sawitri, detailed that the 14 new suspects consist of 10 caregivers, 2 administrative staff members, 1 security guard, and 1 individual whose role was not specified in the earlier group. “The caregivers are similar to the previous ones, so in total there are 21 caregivers who are now suspects,” Apri stated.

Apri explained that the caregivers are charged under articles related to discriminatory actions and child neglect. The security guard and administrative staff are charged with negligence for allowing the abuse to occur. “The Child Protection Law also covers those who ‘allow’ such acts. They should have reported any suspected criminal activity to the police,” Apri clarified.

Of the 14 new suspects, 13 have been detained. One suspect initially failed to appear for questioning but later surrendered on Thursday and was immediately taken into custody. The police continue to investigate the full extent of the abuse at the daycare facility.