UGM Confirms Advisor of Little Aresha Yogyakarta Daycare is Active Lecturer

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has confirmed that the advisor to the Little Aresha Daycare foundation in Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta, Cahyaningrum Dewojati, is one of its active lecturers. The name and photo of Cahyaningrum as an advisor to Little Aresha had previously circulated on social media. “Regarding the information stating that the Advisor to the Little Aresha Yogyakarta Foundation is one of our university’s lecturers, we can confirm that the individual is indeed an active lecturer involved in managing the daycare in a personal capacity,” said UGM Spokesperson I Made Andi Arsana in a statement on Monday (27/4). Therefore, Made Andi stated, UGM as an institution has no relations whatsoever with the Little Aresha Daycare Foundation. UGM also expressed deep concern over the alleged violence occurring in the Little Aresha Daycare environment. The university conveyed sincere empathy to the survivors, particularly the children, and the affected families. Made Andi emphasised the campus’s stance in complying with regulations, respecting, and fully supporting the ongoing legal process. “We also uphold the principles of objectivity and commitment to child protection. In line with that, we continue to monitor the developments of this case closely and are ready to take follow-up steps in UGM’s capacity based on applicable provisions,” he said. Police have named 13 individuals as suspects in the alleged violence at the child daycare Little Aresha. Yogyakarta Police Chief, Kombes Pol Eva Guna Pandia, stated that the naming of suspects was based on the case review conducted on Saturday (25/4) night. “We have named 13 temporary suspects, consisting of one foundation head, one school principal, and eleven caregivers,” said Pandia when met at the Amongrogo Sports Hall in Yogyakarta on Saturday night. Pandia said the motives of the suspects in the alleged violence are still being investigated. He said details of the case would be revealed at a press conference on Monday (27/4). So far, the suspects have been charged with articles regarding improper treatment and neglect or violence against children. Previously, Yogyakarta Police arrested 30 people during a raid on the Little Aresha Daycare on Friday (24/4). The legal action was taken after police received reports of alleged child abuse at the facility. Yogyakarta Police Criminal Investigation Chief, Kompol Riski Adrian, said that during the raid, officers witnessed inhumane treatment by the managers. “Officers directly observed that the children were treated inhumanely,” he said, quoted from Detik. The inhumane treatment, Adrian continued, involved binding the children’s hands and feet. Based on preliminary examinations, police stated that the number of children suspected to be victims of violence at Little Aresha reached 53 children.