Sultan HB X Officially Issues Governor's Instruction on Daycare Oversight

Governor of Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY), Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, has officially issued a governor’s instruction (Ingub) regulating the inventory of all childcare providers, or daycares, in his jurisdiction. Ingub number B/400.2.4/1954/D18 addresses the Optimisation of Child Protection from All Forms of Violence in Childcare Environments. The issuance of this Ingub follows the uncovering of child abuse practices against toddlers at Daycare Little Aresha in Yogyakarta City, which was later found to be operating without permission from relevant authorities. The Ingub was created to ensure the fulfilment of children’s rights, realise protection from all forms of violence, and create an environment that supports optimal child growth and development. Signed by Sultan HB X on 30 April 2026, this Ingub is primarily directed at all regional heads in DIY province and contains a total of 12 points. “Conduct an inventory of all childcare providers or similar entities in respective areas, covering licensing status, location mapping, capacity, number of caregivers, number of children, available facilities and infrastructure, as well as the appropriateness and services provided,” states the first point. The second point requires ensuring all childcare facilities are entered into the integrated DIY child services database. Third, implement minimum standards that must be met by childcare facilities, including: service procedures and transparency to guarantee information openness; determination of caregiver-to-child ratios appropriate for age groups; setting minimum qualifications for caregivers with PAUD certification; and prohibition of physical and verbal violence practices. Fourth, provide assistance to accelerate licensing for unlicensed childcare facilities. Fifth, facilitate institutional capacity building for early childhood education centres, including improving the quality of human resources. Sixth, integrate childcare management policies as an inseparable part of implementing Child-Friendly Districts/Cities and Child-Friendly Yogyakarta Special Region. Seventh, provide information channels on the availability of childcare centres and easily accessible complaint channels (hotline/WhatsApp), as well as build an integrated rapid response system across agencies. Eighth, encourage active roles from Neighbourhood Guards, Village Governments, RT/RW, and other community elements in overseeing childcare environments. Ninth, optimise supervision and monitoring of childcare operations and form or maximise cross-sectoral supervisory teams to conduct scheduled and incidental inspections. Tenth, coordinate with law enforcement authorities in cases of criminal violations, including child abuse incidents. “Eleventh, impose firm sanctions such as warnings, temporary operational suspensions, up to permanent closures for violators, and take firm action against unlicensed childcare facilities,” states the Ingub. Finally, report implementation to the Governor through DP3AP2 DIY no later than 15 calendar days from the effective date of this Ingub and submit periodic reports every three months.