Police in Yogyakarta have uncovered an alleged case of child abuse at a daycare facility in the Sorosutan area of Umbulharjo. The case emerged after officers raided the Little Aresha daycare following a report from a former employee.
Yogyakarta City Police Chief Senior Commissioner Eva Guna Pandia said the report prompted immediate action. “Initially, the employee observed that the treatment of the babies and children being looked after was inhumane,” she said, as reported by Antara on Monday, 27 April 2026.
The former employee later resigned and reported the alleged abuse to the police. “She felt it was against her conscience to see someone being abused and neglected, so she resigned and filed a report,” Eva said.
The Head of the Yogyakarta Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Commissioner Riski Adrian, confirmed that the raid took place on 24 April 2026. “Yes, on April 24, 2026, we conducted a raid on the childcare facility,” he said.
During the operation, officers reported finding children subjected to improper treatment. “Our officers saw firsthand that the children were being treated inhumanely. Some had their feet tied, their hands tied, and so on,” Riski said.
Dozens Arrested, 13 Named as Suspects
Police arrested around 30 individuals during the raid, including caregivers, foundation administrators, and one security officer. “Yesterday, we also arrested around 30 people. Last night, the Women and Children Protection Unit is still conducting an in-depth investigation of around 30 people,” Riski said.
Following a case review, authorities named 13 individuals as suspects. Eva said the decision was based on the results of a case presentation held on 25 April 2026.
“We have named 13 temporary suspects, consisting of one foundation head, one school principal, and eleven caregivers,” she said when speaking at the Amongrogo Sports Hall in Yogyakarta.
Police stated that the suspects are being investigated for alleged child abuse, neglect, and violence against children. Riski added that the suspects held different roles within the daycare’s management structure.
“We have named 13 provisional suspects. They include one foundation head, one school principal, and 11 caregivers,” he said.
Authorities also confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances and motives behind the alleged actions.
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Dozens of Children Identified as Victims
Police said that 103 children were registered at the daycare, with at least 53 identified as suspected victims. “There are 103 children who have been placed in the care of the children, but approximately 53 have been verified as having experienced violence,” Riski said in Yogyakarta on 26 April 2026.
The case is being handled by the Women and Children Protection Unit, which continues to gather evidence and question those involved.
Separately, Indonesian Child Protection Commission commissioner Diyah Puspitarini called for stronger oversight of daycare facilities.
“The Indonesian Child Protection Commission hopes there will be an evaluation of daycare management in Yogyakarta City by recording whether daycares are licensed or not and providing guidance to all daycares and their managers,” she said in a statement on 26 April 2026.
She also raised concerns about the safety of victims’ families. “The KPAI hopes for protection from the LPSK because several families of child victims were visited by unknown persons, and of course, the KPAI hopes that this daycare will be permanently closed,” she said.
Police confirmed that the suspects have been charged under multiple provisions of the Child Protection Law. Riski said the charges include several articles related to abuse, neglect, and violence.
“The articles charged are Article 76A in conjunction with Article 77, or Article 76B in conjunction with Article 77B, or Article 76C in conjunction with Article 80 Paragraph 1. Essentially, they relate to mistreatment, neglect, or violence against children,” he said.
