Indonesia's Daycares Struggle for Permits Amid Rising Demand

The Indonesian Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection has highlighted a concerning statistic: nearly half of all daycare centers nationwide operate without the necessary permits. This situation arises despite a clear and growing public need for reliable childcare services. Republika's investigation reveals the complex and often frustrating bureaucratic maze that daycare operators must navigate to obtain legal status.

One operator shared their experience, starting their daycare in 2015 and establishing it as a foundation for legal security. However, attempts to secure operational permits at the local level were met with confusion and inaction. Officials reportedly stated that permits could only be issued after a daycare had been operating for two years and had at least 20 children, a requirement that seems counterintuitive to establishing a legitimate business from the outset.

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It's rather strange, isn't it? Like, just operate first without needing any paperwork. Then, once you have many children, you can get licensed.

Further complicating matters, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the process for some. When authorities finally began enforcing permit regulations, partly in response to a reported incident of violence, some operators found themselves in a difficult position. This underscores a systemic issue where the lack of clear guidance and consistent enforcement leaves both daycare providers and parents in a state of uncertainty, potentially compromising the safety and legality of essential childcare services.

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So, they really didn't respond because they also didn't understand.