daycare abuse case in Yogyakarta involving at least 53 children has triggered nationwide outrage and renewed scrutiny of Indonesia’s childcare oversight system, prompting authorities to intensify inspections of unlicensed facilities and tighten regulatory enforcement.
The abuse at Little Aresha daycare, now drawing nationwide anger, first came to light over the weekend after a former employee reported to police what they described as inhumane treatment of children at the facility, prompting their resignation.
Responding to the report, Yogyakarta Police raided the facility in Umbulharjo district on Friday, seizing evidence they said strongly indicated alleged abuse and child neglect. The following day, authorities named 13 suspects, including the daycare head, principal and caregivers.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Yogyakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Eva Guna Pandia said investigators uncovered disturbing abuse, including children crammed into poorly ventilated, overcrowded rooms and others tied to doorknobs with makeshift ropes between bathing and mealtimes.
Yogyakarta Police Criminal Investigation Unit head Comr. Riski Adrian added that preliminary findings showed 53 out of the 103 children at Little Aresha had been subjected to such abuse, with medical examinations revealing bruises on their wrists and ankles consistent with being tied.
“We are currently investigating the perpetrators’ motives, including possible economic drivers. […] We found that one caretaker was responsible for seven to eight children, despite promises to parents that each would handle only two to three. The fact that they kept admitting more children suggests a profit motive,” Riski said.
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