Total Suspects in Jogja Daycare Child Abuse Case Rises to 27
Yogyakarta City Police (Polresta Jogja) have identified new suspects in the child violence case at Little Aresha Daycare. Notably, 14 individuals have been newly named as suspects.
Initially, police had identified 13 suspects in the case, with 17 other individuals serving as witnesses under mandatory reporting requirements. Now, 14 of those 17 witnesses have been officially designated as suspects.
“Yesterday, there were 17 witnesses under mandatory reporting. From that group, 14 of them have been named as suspects. These 14 new suspects are the caregivers,” stated the Head of Criminal Investigation at Polresta Jogja, Commissioner Risky Adrian, when contacted by reporters on Saturday (4/7/2026).
However, Commissioner Risky has not yet provided details regarding the identities or specific roles of these new suspects. His department plans to summon the 14 new suspects for further interrogation, with the summons already scheduled.
53 Children Identified as Victims of Violence at Little Aresha Daycare
As previously reported, Polresta Jogja uncovered horrific treatment by caregivers towards children entrusted to the Little Aresha daycare in Yogyakarta. Children were reportedly tied up upon arrival at the daycare and only released when their parents arrived to collect them.
Yogyakarta Police Chief, Commissioner Eva Guna Pandia, stated that the children were subjected to inhumane treatment by the caregivers. While not providing exhaustive details, he disclosed several instances of abuse.
“This inhumane treatment included placing children in an overloaded room with minimal air circulation. They were tied using cloth made to resemble rope, which was fastened to doors,” Pandia said during a press conference at the Polresta Jogja headquarters on Monday (27/4/2026).
Commissioner Risky Adrian added that according to available data, 103 children are registered at Little Aresha Daycare. However, based on preliminary investigations, 53 children have been confirmed as victims.
“We saw 103 children from the foundation’s data for this academic year. (The number of identified victims) is still 53,” explained Adrian.
Adrian further explained that the children were subjected to similar treatment. Medical examinations (visum) on several children revealed bruises on their wrists and ankles.
“As of now, we are investigating further and have conducted medical examinations on three children. The injuries were primarily on the wrists, suggesting they were caused by being tied with rope,” Adrian revealed.
These children were reportedly tied from the moment they arrived at the daycare until just before they were picked up by their parents. The restraints were only removed at specific times, namely during mealtime and bathing.