Are Many Daycares Operating Without Permits?

The disturbing case of violence at the Little Aresha daycare in Yogyakarta has rightly captured public attention, highlighting a critical vulnerability in childcare services. In an era where dual-income households are increasingly common, the demand for reliable and safe daycare facilities has surged. However, this growing need appears to be outpacing regulatory oversight, leading to a concerning proliferation of centers that may not meet essential safety and operational standards.

Our investigation in Depok, a bustling satellite city of Jakarta, sought to understand the ground reality of daycare operations. Using readily available tools like Google Maps, identifying numerous daycare centers was straightforward. Upon visiting one such facility, we were met with a welcoming facade, offering services ranging from childcare to preschool and early learning programs, with monthly fees starting at Rp 1.5 million, excluding additional charges for registration and meals.

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Biayanya mulai dari Rp 1,5 juta. Itu belum termasuk registrasi Rp 500 ribu dan makan Rp 350 ribu (per bulan)

While the staff assured us of their operational permits and the presence of CCTV for monitoring, a crucial detail remained elusive: the specific nature of these permits. Furthermore, the accessibility of CCTV footage was restricted solely to the foundation's management, with parents offered an alternative through a dedicated application detailing children's activities. This lack of transparency, coupled with the reported training of caregivers and a maximum ratio of one caregiver to four children, raises questions about accountability and the true safety assurances provided. The situation underscores a pressing need for stricter regulations and more rigorous inspections to ensure that all children are placed in genuinely safe and licensed environments.

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Kalau di sini juga satu pengasuh maksimal menangani empat anak