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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Health & Science

Indonesian Pediatricians Criticize Mass Formula Milk Rollout

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) has sent an open letter to the National Nutrition Body (BGN) expressing concerns about the mass distribution of formula milk in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.
  • IDAI argues that the policy risks discouraging breastfeeding and violates existing laws that mandate formula milk be given only upon a doctor's recommendation and based on medical indications.
  • The association urges policy revisions, including harmonizing health policies, restricting formula milk to medical necessity, and prioritizing local food self-sufficiency.

The Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) has voiced strong objections to the government's mass distribution of formula milk under the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. In an open letter, IDAI, represented by its Task Force for Breastfeeding and Nutritional Disorders, directly challenged the National Nutrition Body (BGN) and other leaders, asserting that "Millions of Indonesian babies and children cannot speak for themselves; we, Indonesian pediatricians, speak for them." This statement underscores the association's commitment to advocating for infant health and well-being.

Millions of Indonesian babies and children cannot speak for themselves; we, Indonesian pediatricians, speak for them.

· IDAIAccompanying caption on the association's official Instagram account.

IDAI's primary concern is that the current rollout of formula milk, implemented without prior medical examinations or specific clinical indications, actively discourages breastfeeding. While acknowledging the advancements in formula milk, the association firmly reiterates that breast milk's benefits are irreplaceable due to its unique bioactive components that protect infant health. The pediatricians are calling for a significant policy refinement, emphasizing, "Do not let today's policy cause [babies and children] to lose something so vital."

Do not let today's policy cause [babies and children] to lose something so vital.

· IDAIAssertion from the pediatricians urging policy refinements in the MBG scheme.

Furthermore, IDAI highlighted that the mass distribution policy contravenes Indonesia's legal framework. Laws such as Law Number 17 of 2023 and Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024 strictly regulate formula milk distribution, requiring a doctor's recommendation and medical necessity. IDAI also pointed to previous warnings from the Ministry of Health, indicating a lack of coordination. The association has proposed concrete recommendations: harmonize public health policies, restrict formula milk to medical supervision, and prioritize local food self-sufficiency. This stance reflects a deep-seated concern for public health and adherence to established regulations within Indonesia.

Law Number 17 of 2023 and Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024 explicitly mandate that formula milk may only be administered upon a doctor’s recommendation and based on medical indications.

· IDAIStatement clarifying the legal framework governing formula milk distribution.
About this summary

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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