Yogyakarta City Government to Conduct Sweeps of Daycares Following Abuse at Little Aresha

Yogyakarta Mayor Hasto Wardoyo will conduct sweeps of facilities offering child care services following the emergence of a case of alleged assault against children at the Little Aresha daycare in Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta City.

“We will sweep facilities that provide child care services in Yogyakarta City,” Hasto explained when met after attending an event in Yogyakarta on Sunday (26/4/2026).

Hasto also confirmed that Little Aresha does not possess operational permits as a child care facility or child education provider. This is the basis, according to Hasto, for the need to conduct sweeps.

“Actually, there is already an SOP and protocol for permitting, where we usually conduct verification, site visits, and check the standards. This includes the kitchen, bathing areas, and so on; all have standards. If not licensed, we wouldn’t know. That’s why we need to sweep,” he added.

Previously, police raided the Little Aresha daycare in Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta City, over allegations of child abuse on Friday (24/4). During the operation, police officers directly witnessed the treatment of the children by the caregivers.

“It is true that on the 24th, we conducted a raid on a child care facility where our officers directly saw that the children were being treated inhumanely,” said the Head of Criminal Investigation at Yogyakarta Police Resort, Commissioner Police Riski Adrian, to reporters on Saturday (25/4/2026).

“But indeed, in conclusion, it was inhuman. Because some had their legs tied, hands tied, and so on. That’s the general explanation I can give,” he continued.

From preliminary examinations, Adrian added, a total of dozens of children were victims. However, investigators are still continuing their probe. The number of victims may still increase.

“For those we saw acts of violence against, around 53 people. By data,” Adrian revealed.