The Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, has called for comprehensive psychological and medical support for children affected by an abuse and neglect case at a daycare facility in Yogyakarta City. The governor stressed that the response must go beyond legal enforcement and also address the long-term recovery needs of the victims.
Speaking at the Kepatihan Complex in Yogyakarta on Monday, Sri Sultan emphasized that authorities had already taken initial steps to ensure protection for the children involved. He underlined that the government’s responsibility includes not only safeguarding victims but also ensuring they receive proper treatment to recover from both physical and emotional trauma.
“We automatically provide protection for the child. We also need treatment for the child, so we have taken steps from the beginning,” he said.
The case, which allegedly involved abuse at the Little Aresha daycare, has triggered public concern across the region. Sri Sultan expressed deep regret over the incident and reaffirmed that there is no tolerance for any form of violence in Yogyakarta, a province often referred to as a center of education and culture in Indonesia.
He stated his hope that the incident would not be repeated in the future and urged all stakeholders to strengthen preventive measures in childcare institutions.
“I hope this incident is the first and the last. Because in Yogyakarta, we do not tolerate violence,” he said.
To ensure proper handling of the situation, the governor announced plans to hold a special coordination meeting with the Yogyakarta Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, and Population Control Agency (DP3AP2). The meeting is expected to focus on a detailed assessment of the case handling process, victim support mechanisms, and broader child protection policies in the region.
The investigation has already led to the designation of 13 suspects by law enforcement authorities. Sri Sultan expressed his support for the police investigation and urged the public not to speculate while the legal process is still ongoing.
“They have already been named suspects, and the police have conducted their investigation. Let us wait and see. We should not jump to conclusions. We must respect the legal process,” he said.
Regional Secretary of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Ni Made Dwi Panti Indrayanti, also addressed the incident, stressing that daycare operations must be grounded in ethical responsibility and trust rather than purely commercial considerations. She warned that institutions responsible for caring for children must prioritize safety and accountability above profit.
“This is a matter of serious concern, not just commercialization. We must maintain responsibility and trust in such services, because we are dealing with children,” she said.
The Yogyakarta provincial government has pledged full support for law enforcement authorities as they continue to investigate the case thoroughly. Officials have expressed concern and sadness over the incident, particularly regarding the psychological impact on the children and their families.
Authorities have also coordinated with the Yogyakarta City Government and relevant child protection units to ensure that victims receive appropriate assistance. This includes psychological counseling, social support, and other forms of intervention aimed at helping affected children recover from trauma.
“As the case is already under legal proceedings, we will follow the process. Regarding the victims, both the children and their families, they need support. We have worked with the city government through the child protection service unit,” she added.
Child protection advocates have long warned that daycare facilities require stricter oversight to prevent similar cases of abuse and neglect. In Indonesia, early childhood care institutions are increasingly under pressure to meet both educational and safety standards, especially as more families rely on formal childcare services due to urban work demands.
Experts say that incidents like the one in Yogyakarta highlight the importance of regular monitoring, staff vetting, and clear operational standards in childcare centers. They also stress that psychological recovery for child victims is often a long-term process requiring coordinated intervention from medical professionals, social workers, and educators.
The provincial government’s response signals an effort to strengthen both immediate victim support and broader systemic safeguards. Officials have indicated that the findings from this case may contribute to future policy improvements in childcare regulation across the region.
As the investigation continues, public attention remains focused on both the legal proceedings and the welfare of the children involved. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to transparency and due process while ensuring that victims are not further harmed by public speculation or misinformation.
The Yogyakarta daycare abuse case has become a significant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in institutional care settings and the critical role of government oversight in ensuring their safety and well-being.
