Yogyakarta PERADI Prepares Legal Aid for Daycare Victims

The Yogyakarta City Branch Leadership Council of the Indonesian Advocates Association (PERADI) is providing free legal aid to victims of alleged child abuse at the Little Aresha Daycare in Umbulharjo. This commitment was stated amid the ongoing legal proceedings in the case involving more than a dozen suspects.

The Chairman of the Yogyakarta City PERADI Branch, Ariyanto, emphasised that the advocates’ organisation is opening the widest possible access for victims’ families to receive free legal accompaniment. “We are ready to provide legal aid without charge, from consultations to courtroom support,” he said on Wednesday, 7 May 2026.

The prepared pro bono assistance covers legal consultations, accompaniment during examinations at the police and prosecutor’s office, and advocacy in court, specifically for victims’ families lacking economic means.

PERADI also expressed full support for the investigation process and encouraged authorities to thoroughly investigate all involved parties. At the same time, they urged the government to ensure psychological recovery for the victims and to tighten supervision of child care institutions.

As an initial step, PERADI has deployed a team of advocates to assist the victims alongside the Yogyakarta City Women’s and Children’s Protection Unit. This synergy is expected to strengthen victim protection, both legally and in terms of recovery.

PERADI affirmed that this free legal aid service is part of the legal profession’s responsibility as officium nobile, which prioritises access to justice for all parties.

According to information from the Yogyakarta Police Resort on 27 April 2026, 13 individuals have been named as suspects in the child abuse case at Little Aresha Daycare. The suspects consist of 11 caregivers, one foundation chairman, and one school principal. Authorities suspect the abuse practices were long-standing, structured, and repeatedly carried out under the direction of the foundation’s leadership.

Visum results on three child victims showed injuries on their wrists, suspected to be from being tied. The suspects are charged under the Child Protection Law and the new Criminal Code, with potential penalties of up to eight years in prison.