YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia: Indonesian police have arrested 13 childcare workers following allegations of severe abuse and neglect at the Little Aresha daycare centre in Yogyakarta, where more than 100 children were reportedly found in distressing conditions during a raid in April.
Authorities said the suspects, all women including the owner, principal, and caregivers, are being investigated for child abuse, neglect, and operating an unlicensed childcare facility. The case has triggered widespread public outrage and renewed scrutiny of Indonesia’s largely unregulated daycare sector.
Police officials said that during the raid, officers discovered children aged between two and six years old who had allegedly been restrained, with some tied by their hands and feet. Investigators also reported instances of physical punishment, including slapping and pinching, allegedly intended to control children’s behaviour.
The centre, operating since 2018, is alleged to have functioned without a valid licence, in violation of Indonesia’s education and child protection regulations. Authorities further said the facility was overcrowded, with up to 30 children housed in a single small room and caregivers assigned to manage far more children than recommended safety ratios.
Child protection officials said the allegations came to light after a whistleblower from within the daycare reported concerns to authorities. The Indonesian Child Protection Commission has described the case as one of the most serious instances of alleged institutional child abuse in the country in recent years.
Government officials have pledged tighter oversight of daycare centres nationwide following the incident. The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection said the case should serve as a trigger for a broader national review of childcare standards, licensing procedures, and inspection mechanisms.
Officials acknowledged that Indonesia lacks comprehensive data on the number of daycare centres operating across the country, many of which function under informal or unregistered arrangements. Authorities are now urging mandatory registration and stricter compliance checks.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and is expected to be completed by late June, after which the case file will be submitted to prosecutors for potential criminal charges. If convicted, suspects could face lengthy prison sentences under Indonesia’s child protection and education laws.