Yogyakarta City Government Reveals Sultan HB X's Directive to Temporarily Close Unlicensed Daycares

The Yogyakarta City Government has discovered 31 childcare facilities or daycares operating without licences in its jurisdiction. Mayor of Yogyakarta Hasto Wardoyo stated that he has received instructions from the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, to temporarily close daycares that lack permits.

“Earlier, there was guidance from Ngarsa Dalem (the Governor of DIY), so those without licences should be temporarily closed while being asked to apply for permits. The government must also be proactive in assisting them,” Hasto revealed at the Yogyakarta City Kepatihan Complex on Tuesday (28/4/2026).

According to him, the government has a duty to accompany daycares that are already operating well. This is because good daycares are considered necessary for the community.

“Not all child care centres (tempat penitipan anak or TPA) are bad, not all TPAs are poor. Many TPAs are trustworthy and very much needed by the community. If the community cannot access TPAs later, it will also be problematic. Many people are working, husband and wife, then where to entrust the child? The important thing is that we must continue to accompany them to ensure safety,” he emphasised.

To date, there are 68 recorded daycares in Yogyakarta City. Of these 68 daycares, 31 do not have specific permits.

“Up to today, the total recorded is already 68 daycares. Of the 68, 37 are officially licensed, and the others are not yet licensed,” Hasto said.

“This means these institutions are kindergartens or early childhood education (PAUD), and they also open daycares. The kindergarten should have a permit, the PAUD should have a permit, and the daycare should also have a permit. But they do not yet have a (daycare) permit,” Hasto explained.

In line with the Governor of DIY’s instructions, Hasto said, unlicensed daycares will be temporarily closed until the permits are issued. The government will facilitate and assist the licensing process, especially for daycares that indeed have good services and facilities.