Police have revealed an economic motive behind the abuse and neglect of children at Daycare Little Aresha in Yogyakarta, where operators accepted too many children without adequate caregivers. Thirteen people have been named as suspects. DIY Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X has ordered the closure of all unlicensed daycares.
Yogyakarta Police Chief, Kombes Pol Eva Guna Pandia, stated that the abusive practices at Daycare Little Aresha in Kemantren Umbulharjo were driven by economic motives to maximize income. "Yes, including economic motives because they were chasing revenue. The more children, the more income they receive," Pandia said during a press conference on April 27, 2026.
One caregiver had to handle up to 10 babies at once, leading to overwhelm in basic tasks like bathing, feeding, and changing clothes. Children were tied up to keep them still. Pandia confirmed that circulating social media photos of bound children are authentic.
Thirteen suspects have been named, including DK as foundation chair, AP as school principal, and 11 caregivers: FN, NF, LIS, EN, SRM, DR, HP, JK, SRJ, DO, and DM. They face charges under Articles 76A jo 77, 76B jo 77B, 76C jo 80(1) of Law No. 35/2014 on Child Protection, and Articles 20 and 21 of Law No. 1/2023 on the Criminal Code, with penalties up to eight years in prison. The case remains under investigation.
In response, DIY Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X instructed the closure of unlicensed daycares, as conveyed by DP3AP2 DIY Head Erlina Hidayati Sumardi on April 29, 2026. Relevant agencies are to sweep all child care facilities to prevent similar violence.
