Sleman Police Evacuate 11 Infants from Day Care in Pakem
Sleman City Police (Polresta Sleman), Special Region of Yogyakarta, have evacuated 11 infants from a childcare facility in Pakem because the location lacked professional medical assistance and supervision.
“This case has drawn significant public attention as most of the infants’ parents are university students and are unmarried,” stated the Head of Criminal Investigation at Polresta Sleman, AKP Mateus Wiwit Kustiyadi, in Sleman on Monday.
He noted that following their relocation and subsequent medical examinations by hospital teams and the Health Office, three infants were found to have health issues that had previously gone undetected by the caregivers. “The three infants were suffering from jaundice, a hernia, and congenital heart disease,” Wiwit said.
According to the officer, the condition of the three infants has since improved. The infant with the congenital heart defect has been reunited with their mother but remains under the supervision and monitoring of the Social Services Department. Police have also allowed parents to visit their children through an assessment process accompanied by social workers to ensure the safety and comfort of the infants.
Regarding allegations of neglect or improper care, Wiwit emphasised that the police are still conducting further investigations with relevant agencies and have not yet reached an official conclusion. Furthermore, allegations of illegal adoption and baby trafficking involving a midwife are also under investigation.
“As of now, no indications of illegal adoption or baby trafficking have been found. If any legal violations are discovered, we will process them according to the law. However, if none are found, the situation will be restored to its original state,” he said.
In response to the case, Polresta Sleman has formed a special team to handle the matter and continues to gather statements and supporting data. Additionally, the police will coordinate with the Health Office, local community health centres (Puskesmas), and the Indonesian Midwives Association (IBI) to investigate potential discrepancies in the delivery service reports provided by the midwife involved.
Plans to return the infants to their respective parents are still being discussed with relevant stakeholders. Wiwit stated that all management steps are being taken with the best interests of the children in mind, including their health, development, and future psychological well-being. “We are being very careful to ensure these children do not suffer psychological distress due to the handling of this case. We continue to prioritise humanitarian missions for their future,” he concluded.