Little Aresha daycare in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, where the alleged abuse took place. (SEA Daily/Hananto Satyo)
On April 26, allegations of child abuse have emerged at the Little Aresha daycare centre in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This follows a report by a former employee on suspicion of mistreatment of children to the Yogyakarta City Police. The whistleblower claimed that caregivers at the facility had subjected several children to inhumane treatment, pushing authorities to launch an investigation.
According to the report, some children were allegedly restrained with their hands or feet tied, while others were found with visible injuries. The former employee also described overcrowded conditions inside the facility. Three small rooms measuring approximately three by three metres were reportedly used to accommodate around 20 children each, raising concerns about the safety and welfare of the children entrusted to the daycare.
Investigators further suspect that several children experienced severe neglect. Some were allegedly left unattended even when they were ill, heightening concerns over the standard of care provided at the centre.
Preliminary findings revealed that a total of 103 children were registered at the Little Aresha daycare, with at least 53 believed to have suffered physical abuse. Most of the suspected victims are very young, with many under the age of two. Authorities said some of the infants involved were as young as newborns, ranging from zero to three months old.
Yogyakarta City Police headquarters, where the alleged perpetrators are detained and where investigations are carried out. (SEA Daily/Hananto Satyo)
Between April 24-25, authorities detained around 30 individuals for questioning. Those being examined include caregivers as well as officials from the foundation responsible for managing the daycare.
Singgih Januratmoko, deputy chair of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, described the case as a “serious humanitarian tragedy” and a wake-up call for Indonesia’s child protection system.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Women Empowerment and Child Protection Minister, Arifah Fauzi, said she is personally overseeing the case to ensure that victims receive proper psychological support and legal protection, while authorities pursue a transparent and firm legal process.
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