Violence at Yogyakarta Daycare, DPRD to Summon Local Government
The Yogyakarta City Council (DPRD) will request explanations from the government in an official meeting forum regarding the case of violence affecting dozens of children at a daycare in Yogyakarta City.
“This case of violence at the childcare facility or daycare severely tarnishes Yogyakarta’s image; this week we will summon the government and related agencies for explanations,” said Chairman of Commission A of the DIY DPRD, Eko Suwanto, on Sunday, 26 April 2026.
In the case that came to light on Friday, 24 April 2026, police found at least 53 children subjected to physical and verbal violence while in care. From the incident, 13 individuals, from the foundation to caregivers, have been named as suspects.
Eko stated that the government needs to explain how this incident could occur with so many victims and is estimated to have been ongoing for a long time. “We want assurance that child protection is implemented sincerely and professionally,” said the PDI Perjuangan politician.
Eko emphasised that this event is a hard slap in the face because dozens of children, including toddlers, became victims. A comprehensive evaluation of the local government’s oversight performance is urgently needed so that children’s rights to grow and develop well are no longer violated by illegal institutional practices.
“Children must receive sincere protection. We urge greater attention to be devoted to ensuring that children in Yogyakarta can grow and develop and receive good protection,” he said.
The DIY DPRD also urges the police to thoroughly uncover this case to its roots. He requests that the masterminds and all involved perpetrators be given the heaviest possible punishment because their actions are categorised as extraordinary crimes.
According to him, tolerance of violence against toddlers must not happen again in the Yogyakarta region and elsewhere. “A fair legal process must be the top priority, whoever is behind that daycare,” he said.
Yogyakarta Mayor Hadi Wardoyo stated that the daycare named Little Aresha operated illegally. “Without TPA (childcare facility), PAUD, or kindergarten permits,” he said.
Hadi emphasised that the lack of permits allowed the government to be caught off guard in verifying childcare operational standards, kitchen, and sanitation facilities.
As follow-up, the Yogyakarta City Government will immediately conduct a mass sweep of all childcare institutions to ensure the safety and legality of services provided to the public.
Yogyakarta Police have named 13 suspects consisting of one foundation head, one school head, and eleven caregivers.
Yogyakarta Police Chief Commissioner Eva Guna Pandia explained that the suspects are charged under the child protection law for alleged neglect and discriminatory mistreatment.
“There are 53 toddlers under the age of two who have been verified to have experienced physical violence, including inhumane acts such as binding hands and feet, which were witnessed directly by officers during the raid,” she said.