Series of Local Government Steps Following the Little Aresha Daycare Case in Jogja
Allegations of child abuse at the Little Aresha Daycare in Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta, have dismayed many parties. The Special Region of Yogyakarta Provincial Government and the Yogyakarta City Government have promptly taken action.
The case came to light after police received a report and conducted a raid on Friday (24/4). Police discovered children who were tied up.
It Turns Out to Be Unlicensed
Yogyakarta Mayor Hasto Wardoyo revealed that the childcare facility did not possess an operational permit.
“As what happened yesterday, there is no permit, only the foundation but no permit. There is no permit as a TPA (childcare centre), no permit as PAUD or kindergarten,” Hasto explained when met after attending an event in Yogyakarta on Sunday (26/4/2026).
City Government to Sweep Daycares
Hasto also stated that following the revelation of this heartbreaking case, the City Government will conduct a sweeping operation.
“We will sweep all places that provide childcare in Yogyakarta City,” he emphasised.
He explained that there are already regulations for obtaining permits. Even checks up to the kitchen are carried out.
“Actually, there is already an SOP, there is a procedure when they apply for a permit, usually we do verification, visitation, then check the standards. Including the kitchen, the bathing area, all that has standards. If unlicensed, of course we don’t know. That’s why we need to sweep,” he said.
Head of the Yogyakarta City Education, Youth, and Sports Office (Disdikpora), Budi Santosa Asrori, added that as of this afternoon, 18 kelurahan have reported data on daycares in their areas.
“There are 37 licensed daycares in Yogyakarta City, but only 18 kelurahan (data that has just come in). Our colleagues in the sub-districts, kelurahan, are just checking if there are daycares in their areas or not. Later we will cross-check,” Budi revealed.
Victims to Be Provided with Safe Daycares
Several parents of the victims met with Hasto at the Mayor’s Official Residence. Hasto explained that at least five points were agreed upon and will be implemented immediately. First, regarding legal assistance to accompany this case. Hasto said his side has formed a team that includes a legal consultant.
Second, regarding recovery efforts for the victims who are still children. Third, besides the children, the parents will also receive counselling because they too have experienced shock.
“We will immediately form a team to assist the children, of course they need child psychologists, child nutrition experts, parenting experts,” Hasto stated.
“Second, the parents also experienced stress, shock, so they cried when conveying it earlier. So they also want psychological counselling,” he continued.
Fourth, according to Hasto, is the provision of childcare places for the victims going forward. This is because the victims’ parents are mostly still working and need safer daycares.
“Where will they entrust their children tomorrow morning, this is an urgent and emergency matter, because they generally work. We will immediately identify other daycares that are safe, trustworthy, good, and healthy,” he said.
Finally, efforts to prevent similar incidents from recurring. Hasto is deploying his subordinates to data all daycares in the area. Afterwards, the City Government will conduct sweeps of those daycares.
“At most in two days we will know the status of all daycares in Yogyakarta City. Those without permits are clearly illegal and must be closed immediately. Definitely (those without permits will be closed immediately), one of the permit requirements is visitation,” Hasto emphasised.
Provincial Government to Evaluate Daycare Licensing
Head of the Yogyakarta Special Region Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, and Population Control Office (DP3AP2), Erlina Hidayati Sumardi, said that her side, together with the DIY FPKK, Yogyakarta City DP3AP2KB, and Yogyakarta City KPAI, has taken and will take steps as child protection efforts.
“Conducting a joint evaluation of the supervision and licensing system for child care institutions, including daycares, to ensure child protection standards are met,” she explained.
“Strengthening complaint mechanisms and quick responses to allegations of violence against women and children,” Erlina added.
In addition, Erlina urged the public not to hesitate to report if they find practices of violence against children in their surroundings. Her side also fully supports and monitors the ongoing legal process.
“We encourage and monitor law enforcement in collaboration with the DIY LPSK Representative so that all parties involved in the alleged violations are processed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” she said.