Full Breakdown
Police Raid Exposes Widespread Abuse at Little Aresha Daycare in Yogyakarta
6/12/2026, 12:12:38 AM
Core Event
In April 2026, Yogyakarta police raided the Little Aresha daycare, finding dozens of children aged two to six with hands and feet tied, many to doors. Thirteen female staff were arrested for alleged child abuse and operating without a licence.
Context
Daycare services have expanded in Indonesia without an official registry, leaving many unlicensed. Little Aresha opened in 2018 in a cramped house. The April 2026 police raid sparked outcry. Key figures include parents Aldewa Anjasmara Halip and Imedia Dwi Anjani, police officer Apri Sawitri, and Minister Arifah Fauzi.
Data
The centre enrolled over 100 children; dozens were restrained. Fees topped 1 million rupiah per month. Staff cared for up to 10 children each, versus the 1-to-4 guideline. Abuse carries up to five years’ jail and a 100 million-rupiah fine; unlicensed operation can bring ten years’ imprisonment.
Impact
The case sparked headlines, viral social-media coverage, and calls for a national review of daycare standards, exposing oversight failures.
Official Statements & Gaps
Minister Arifah Fauzi urged Yogyakarta to become a benchmark for a nationwide review of daycare protection standards. Police spokesperson Apri Sawitri said the investigation will close by late June, after which a report will go to the provincial prosecutor. Authorities named suspects only by initials; no official count of daycares exists, and the number of restrained children is unknown. The child-protection agency also urged routine inspections.
Criticism
Parents called the centre’s practices “despicable,” citing bruises and children who could not report abuse. Child-rights activists called it the largest alleged child-violence case in Indonesia and urged swift legislative action.
On-the-Ground Reports
Aldewa Anjasmara Halip said his daughter’s hysterical crying preceded enrollment and she was traumatized. Imedia Dwi Anjani said her son was found tied to a door with bruises, while caregivers attributed injuries to normal play.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I thought it was just a normal ?thing because she was simply too lazy to go ... but it turns out she has been traumatised there,” — Aldewa Anjasmara Halip, parent
- “We hope Yogyakarta can serve as a starting point for a national review to ensure that all daycare centres in Indonesia meet child protection standards to the highest possible standard,” — Arifah Fauzi, Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection
- “The government does not have an official figure of the total number of daycares in Indonesia,” — Arifah Fauzi, Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection
- “Everything they have done is despicable,” — Imedia Dwi Anjani, parent
What’s Next
The Ministry will require registration for all daycare centres and launch inspections. Prosecutors will review the police report to decide charges. Debate may shape future early-childhood legislation.
