YOGYAKARTA — Indonesian police in Yogyakarta named 14 additional people as suspects on July 6, 2026, in an alleged child abuse and neglect case at a daycare center. This action brings the total number of suspects in the case to 27.

Police had raided the daycare center, Little Aresha, in late April. During the raid, officers reported finding dozens of children, aged between two and six years old, with their hands and feet tied. Some of the children were tied to doors, according to police.

During the initial raid, police arrested 13 individuals, including the owner of Little Aresha, its principal, and several caregivers. These arrests were made on suspicion of alleged child abuse and neglect. Police also stated that the daycare center was operating without a license.

Among the newly named suspects are 10 caregivers, a security officer, and administration staff. Apri Sawitri, the head of child protection at Yogyakarta's police criminal investigation unit, stated that the caregivers were named suspects because it is alleged that they "took part" in the child abuse and neglect. Sawitri added that the security officer and other staff are alleged to have "allowed" the abuse to happen.

Sawitri confirmed that the new suspects are currently undergoing questioning. Police will assess whether grounds exist to make arrests for these individuals. Sawitri also noted that the police have completed their investigation into the first 13 suspects. The provincial prosecutor's office is now drafting formal charges to be submitted to a local court, though it remains unclear when the trial will commence. Sawitri indicated that the police investigations are continuing, and more people could still be named as suspects.

Why It Matters

The naming of additional suspects in this child abuse and neglect case marks a step in the judicial process following the initial raid on the Little Aresha daycare center. The expansion of the investigation to include various staff members suggests a review of accountability for the alleged conditions where children were found tied. The progression from police investigation to the drafting of formal charges by the provincial prosecutor's office moves the case toward legal proceedings.