Spotlight on the Role of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Daycare Supervision
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the House of Representatives Lalu Hadrian Irfani stated that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has a role in supervising childcare facilities or daycares.
This is because Kemendikdasmen, through regional education offices, holds responsibility for the development and operational supervision of daycares.
Kemendikdasmen, according to Lalu, also plays a role in formulating curriculum standards as well as early childhood care services.
Therefore, Commission X of the House of Representatives will summon the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti as well as the Education Office of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY).
The summoning relates to the case of child abuse at Daycare Little Aresha, Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta.
“We will summon the Education Office. We ask Kemendikdasmen to tighten education and childcare standards in daycares,” Lalu said.
“We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn the alleged violence against children in the daycare environment. A place that should be a safe space has instead become the site of inhumane acts,” Lalu explained.
He firmly stated that the government needs to conduct a total evaluation of the daycare management system across Indonesia to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
“The case at Daycare Little Aresha must serve as a momentum for comprehensive improvement, including strengthening the supervision system and child protection. The state must be present to ensure every child receives maximum protection,” he concluded.
This is because there is a pattern of treatment carried out systematically, repeatedly, and massively against the children entrusted there.
“If it is true that there are practices carried out in a structured manner and involving more than one caregiver, then this cannot be viewed as an individual act. There needs to be an investigation up to the level of leadership and the foundation’s owners,” said Diyah, quoted from the official KPAI website, cited on Monday (27/4/2026).
KPAI encourages the Yogyakarta City Government to evaluate the management of childcare facilities or daycares.