Most importantly, children should be in the care of people capable of giving them the genuine love and attention essential to their healthy emotional growth.

Developed countries like Sweden and Denmark seem to understand this recipe for a bright future best. They invest in accessible, affordable and high-quality daycare institutions. Children below the age of 6 in the two Scandinavian countries are entitled to attend public preschool, with parents paying no more than 25 percent of the cost.

Furthermore, each preschool teacher must have a university teaching diploma as well as certification to instruct young children. To protect vulnerable minors, employees of childcare facilities must never have been convicted of sexual offenses or violent crimes. The staff are also closely monitored during their work.

Indonesia, on the contrary, does not seem to have learned the lessons that the Nordic states have. Official reports show that only 2 percent of early childhood education centers in the country are state-owned, while 98 percent are organized either by communities or private parties, with the latter charging a hefty price.

Not only does the state lack initiatives to build such vital facilities, it has also failed to ensure the safety and quality of the ones that already exist. The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) found in a 2019 survey across nine provinces in Sumatra, Java, Bali and Kalimantan that approximately 44 percent of the centers were unlicensed and 20 percent were of poor quality.

Most recently, the KPAI found that only 12 of the 110 daycare centers in Depok city had the required permits, while in Pekanbaru, Riau, none of the existing daycares were licensed. The KPAI conducted the field checks after video footage of alleged child abuse in two daycares in the two cities went viral on social media.

The absence of safe and affordable childcare facilities in the country puts parents in a dilemma. In a patriarchal society like Indonesia’s, mothers usually make the sacrifice of quitting their jobs to look after their children.

The World Bank’s 2024 report attributes this gender disparity in middle-income countries such as Indonesia to resources, power and social norms, particularly patriarchal gender norms, which hold back a large proportion of the population and curtail economic growth.

At this point, the government should realize that offering quality, affordable daycare will bring multiple benefits to the country. In fact, the World Bank also points out that greater investment in early childhood education has a multiplier effect, increasing returns on later investments.

Apart from setting aside a small portion of the education budget, which totals some Rp 665 trillion (US$43.18 billion) this year, for daycare facilities, the government can also call on the private sector to lend a hand.

If there is sufficient political will, developing a robust childcare system will not be difficult. And how can we leave the future of our country to chance?