Head of Little Aresha Daycare Foundation Prosecuted With 10 Years in Prison and Rp900 Million Fine

Prosecutors demanded that the head of the Little Aresha Daycare Foundation, Diyah Kusumastuti, be sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined Rp900 million during a hearing at the Yogyakarta District Court on Monday (12/10). The demand marks a new chapter in a case of child abuse and neglect that has shaken public trust in childcare services in Yogyakarta.

In their indictment, prosecutors argued that the defendant's actions violated several articles, including the National Education System Law, the Consumer Protection Law, and provisions on the neglect of and violence against children. The panel of judges led by Sunaryanto heard the demand before the defense agenda next week.

In addition to the prison sentence, prosecutors demanded that Diyah pay a Rp900 million fine within one month after the verdict becomes legally binding. If unpaid, her assets may be seized and auctioned, or replaced with a 180-day prison term. A similar demand applies to restitution for 83 child victims totaling Rp1.274 billion in accordance with an LPSK decision, with a 217-day substitute sentence if unpaid.

According to prosecutors, the aggravating factors were that the defendant's actions were committed against children who should have been protected, and that she abused parents' trust. Prosecutors also highlighted the long duration of the acts, which caused physical and psychological suffering and public unrest. Diyah was said to have been imprisoned before, strengthening the case for a heavy sentence.

"The defendant's actions have caused suffering to the child victims, both physically and psychologically," the prosecutor said during the hearing.

The case began with an indictment that the Aresha Indonesia Center Foundation, which Diyah founded in July 2022, ran Daycare, Playgroup, and Kindergarten Little Aresha services without a valid operating permit. During 2022–2026, the institution took in more than 100 children aged three months to six years. Prosecutors alleged that promised facilities—such as air conditioning, beds, food, psychological services, counseling, and doctors—were not provided as they should have been.

The indictment also described horrific mistreatment: tying up, pinching, hitting, dunking children in water tanks, and locking them in empty, dark rooms. Diyah was indicted alongside school principal Anita Palupy Indahsari, while 11 caregivers were processed in separate case files.

Indonesian context: this case highlights weak oversight of permits and operational standards for childcare institutions (daycare) in various regions. Many working parents rely on these services, but regulations and periodic audits often are not strictly enforced. Public trust in childcare services could erode if law enforcement is not followed by governance improvements.

Next week, Diyah, through her legal team, will read out her defense memorandum. The panel of judges will then assess whether the prosecutors' demand matches the facts presented at trial. The public is waiting to see whether the eventual verdict also drives improvements to the child protection system in nonformal education institutions.