Chalifah Fatihah
A series of disturbing incidents at daycare facilities, including a recent case in Jogja, has brought to the forefront the urgent need for enhanced oversight and stringent safety standards in child care centers across Indonesia. The Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) has strongly condemned these acts of violence and mistreatment, emphasizing that daycare centers must fundamentally shift from being perceived as mere "storage" facilities for children to becoming nurturing environments that prioritize their safety, development, and well-being.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Chairman of IDAI, who expressed profound disappointment and alarm over the recurring reports of abuse. "From a pediatrician’s perspective, this is utterly unacceptable. We have seen cases where children were tied up, stripped naked, and treated inhumanely, akin to animals. The treatment is beyond comprehension, especially towards young children. We deeply regret these incidents and insist they must never be repeated," stated Piprim during a press conference on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
These incidents are not isolated events. Similar disturbing cases have previously surfaced in various regions, including Aceh and Depok, fueling widespread concern that unsafe childcare practices persist in numerous facilities. The viral nature of some of these cases, which have included reports of abusive therapeutic practices and other forms of mistreatment, has amplified public anxiety and the demand for immediate action.
A Systemic Failure: Weak Oversight and Lack of Standardization
IDAI’s stance is that these recurring incidents signal a deeper, systemic issue: a pervasive weakness in the oversight mechanisms and a lack of standardized protection protocols for children in daycare settings. Piprim highlighted that many daycares currently lack clearly defined operational standards and adequate supervision. "How can we ensure that all daycares adhere to proper standardization and are supervised by experts? Parents must also have transparent access to what is happening with their children," he urged.
One proposed solution to enhance transparency is the mandatory installation of surveillance cameras (CCTV) in all daycare facilities. However, IDAI cautions that technology alone is not a panacea. The ultimate safety of children hinges on the quality of the caregivers and a comprehensive, robust supervision system.
Parents are strongly advised against making decisions based solely on attractive promotions or lower fees. A thorough vetting process, prioritizing the credibility and established childcare standards of a daycare, is paramount. The decision to entrust a child’s care to a facility should be a well-informed one, backed by due diligence.
Recognizing the Red Flags: The Role of Parental Vigilance
Beyond systemic improvements, IDAI emphasizes the critical role of parents in the early detection of potential abuse or mistreatment. Piprim outlined several warning signs that parents should be vigilant about, which could indicate a child is experiencing undue stress or mistreatment at their daycare.
"If a child suddenly refuses to go to daycare, appears fearful, or exhibits significant behavioral changes, these should serve as immediate alarms," he explained. It is crucial to understand that abuse is not solely physical; psychological mistreatment can inflict equally severe and lasting damage. The trauma experienced by children during their formative years can have profound implications, potentially extending into adulthood if not addressed appropriately and promptly.
Reconceptualizing Daycare: From "Penitipan" to "Pengasuhan"
Fitri Hartanto, Head of the Working Unit for Growth and Development and Pediatric Social at IDAI, further elaborated on a fundamental misconception regarding the very concept of daycare. "Daycare should not be a place for ‘penitipan’ (custody or safekeeping), but rather a place for ‘pengasuhan’ (nurturing and care) of children," he asserted.
Fitri pointed out that the term "penitipan" is inappropriate when referring to human beings, especially children. He drew a parallel to the dictionary definition of "penitipan," which typically relates to the safekeeping of inanimate objects. "Children are not belongings," he stated emphatically.
Instead, daycare facilities should be viewed as integral components of early childhood education. Their approach should extend beyond mere supervision to encompass nurturing, educating, and actively supporting the optimal growth and development of each child.
Building a Safe Ecosystem: What Ideal Daycare Looks Like
An ideal daycare environment, according to Fitri, would be characterized by an integrated system that includes:
- Professionally Trained Caregivers: Staff should possess not only practical childcare skills but also a solid understanding of child psychology, developmental milestones, and age-appropriate pedagogical approaches.
- Robust Health and Safety Protocols: Strict adherence to hygiene standards, emergency preparedness plans, and a safe physical environment are non-negotiable.
- Transparent Communication Channels: Regular and open communication between daycare staff and parents is essential, fostering a collaborative approach to child development and well-being.
- Age-Appropriate Curricula: Programs should be designed to stimulate cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through play-based learning and structured activities.
- Effective Supervision and Accountability: Clear lines of responsibility and regular performance evaluations for staff are crucial. This includes a mechanism for reporting and addressing any concerns or incidents promptly and effectively.
The Long Shadow of Trauma: Addressing the Impact of Abuse
Both Piprim and Fitri underscored the long-term consequences of child abuse, whether physical or psychological. Trauma experienced in early childhood can leave indelible marks, impacting a child’s mental health, social interactions, and academic performance throughout their lives. Addressing this requires not only immediate intervention but also ongoing support and therapy to help children process their experiences and build resilience.
The incidents in Jogja and elsewhere serve as a stark reminder that the responsibility for ensuring children’s safety in daycare settings is a shared one. It requires a concerted effort from regulatory bodies to establish and enforce stringent standards, from daycare providers to uphold ethical practices and invest in their staff, and from parents to remain informed, vigilant, and proactive in their child’s care.
Looking Ahead: Towards a Future of Secure Childcare
The path forward involves a multi-pronged approach:
- Legislative and Regulatory Reform: Governments need to enact and enforce robust regulations governing daycare operations, including licensing requirements, mandatory training for staff, and regular inspections.
- Industry Self-Regulation and Accreditation: Daycare providers should be encouraged to adopt industry best practices and seek accreditation from recognized bodies that certify quality and safety standards.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating parents about their rights, the warning signs of abuse, and how to choose a safe daycare is crucial.
- Support for Victims: Establishing accessible channels for reporting abuse and providing comprehensive support services for child victims and their families is essential.
The hope is that by learning from these unfortunate events and implementing comprehensive reforms, Indonesia can transform its daycare system into a truly secure and nurturing environment, where every child can thrive and reach their full potential, free from fear and harm. The emphasis must remain on "pengasuhan" – the active, loving, and responsible care that every child deserves.
