Unmasking the Mask of the Little Aresha Daycare Yogyakarta Caretaker
Last weekend, the public was shocked by a police raid on the Little Aresha daycare in Sorosutan, Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta City, related to reports of abuse against several underage children.
The chairwoman of the Little Aresha Foundation, Diyah Kusumastuti (DK), is also the owner of the daycare. DK is currently designated as a suspect.
“Yes, sir, the foundation chairwoman is also the foundation owner,” explained Ipda Apri Sawitri, Head of the Women and Children Protection Unit (PPA) at the Yogyakarta Police Resort Criminal Investigation Unit, when contacted by detikJogja on Sunday (3/5/2026).
The case came to light following reports of abuse against several children. The Head of Criminal Investigation at Yogyakarta Police Resort, Kompol Riski Adrian, revealed that the children entrusted to the daycare were found tied up.
“But indeed, the conclusion is that it was inhumane,” said Adrian on Saturday (25/4).
“Because some had their legs tied, hands tied, and so on. That’s the general explanation I can give,” he added.
The Cruel Role of the Foundation Chairwoman-School Principal
A total of 13 individuals have been named as suspects in the alleged child torture at Little Aresha Daycare. One of them is a foundation official.
Yogyakarta Police Resort Chief, Kombes Eva Gunda Pandia, during a press conference, explained that the suspects are initialled DK (51), AP (42), FN (30), NF (26), Lis (34), EN (26), SRm (54), DR (32), HP (47), ZA (30), SRj (50), DO (31), and DM (28).
“The first is DK, the Foundation Chairwoman. The second is AP, the school principal. The other eleven acted as caregivers,” explained Pandia during the press conference at Yogyakarta Police Resort on Monday (27/4) afternoon.
Kompol Riski, the Head of Criminal Investigation, described the roles of DK and AP as crucial and cruel. According to him, DK and AP verbally instructed the caregivers to carry out the violent acts.
“So, there are no written rules or procedures for that. However, from the statements of the eleven caregiver suspects, they were ordered to do so by the Foundation Chairwoman. But it’s not in the SOP; it was conveyed verbally, directly by the Foundation Chairwoman,” he clarified.
“(The school principal) is the same, because the Foundation Chairwoman and the School Principal were always present every morning, and they directly witnessed the caregivers doing that to the children. So they knew and ordered it,” he continued.
Meanwhile, the caregivers directly carried out the alleged torture against the children. According to the suspects’ statements, the instructions were also passed down to new caregivers.
“Indeed, the caregivers said this was passed down from generation to generation. Meaning, before them, there were already workers, and those methods were conveyed by their seniors or those who had left,” said Adrian.
Children Tied from Arrival Until Pickup
Police Chief Kombes Eva then detailed the inhumane treatment inflicted on the children. Although not specifying details, one aspect mentioned was that victims were tied from arrival until departure.
“This inhumane treatment includes, among others, placement in one overcrowded room with very minimal air circulation. Tying with cloth but made like rope, tying them to the door,” stated Pandia.
Kompol Riski stated that from the data obtained, there were 103 children registered at Little Aresha Daycare. However, only 53 children have been confirmed as victims based on preliminary examinations.
“The 103 are from the data, the foundation’s data. Yes, data for this academic year. (Confirmed victims) Still 53 (children),” explained Adrian.
Adrian explained that the children received the same treatment. From medical examinations of some children, bruises were found on their wrists or ankles.
“Up to now, what we’re investigating, we’ve also conducted medical examinations on three children. The wounds are mostly on the wrists. Meaning, probably wounds from rope ties,” he revealed.
These children, Adrian continued, were tied from the time they arrived at the daycare until just before their parents picked them up. The ties were only removed at certain times, namely for eating and bathing.
“(Tied) From morning, then before eating, they are dressed, photographed for documentation to send to the guardians (parents), probably during bath time, during meal time, that’s when they are untied,” explained Adrian.
“So the times vary; some from Monday to Sunday, some from Monday to Saturday, there are packages. Meaning the prices are adjusted to each student’s guardian. Some from morning to noon, some from morning to 5 PM, depending on the guardian,” he said.
Regarding this treatment, Adrian said there is also a possibility that the daycare provided medications like CTM (Chlorpheniramine maleate), which is used to relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, rashes, hives, sneezing, watery eyes, and stuffy nose.
“It was mentioned by the department side, possibly pointing in that direction (daycare giving CTM). The expert will explain later, so for this, we have to collaborate. Regarding medications, regarding psychiatric issues, we investigators don’t have that capability,” he said.
Receiving Attention from Sultan HB X
The Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono (HB) X, responded to the alleged violence against children at Little Aresha Daycare. He expressed surprise that the perpetrators were women.
“What surprises me is that it was done by mothers; don’t they have children (such that) they treat underage children like that,” said the Sultan when met at the Kepatihan Complex in Yogyakarta City on Wednesday (29/4).
“I don’t understand, who are they? The ones committing the violence (are) the mothers themselves, such violence,” he added.
The Sultan emphasised that he does not want such incidents to recur. He also directed relevant authorities to close daycares that do not have permits.
“I don’t want such a disturbing incident to happen again. So, in my view, if it’s illegal, close it temporarily so it can be processed legally. As long as