IDAI Criticism and BGN Clarification on the Provision of Infant Formula in MBG

The provision of infant formula within the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) has drawn criticism from the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI). The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) subsequently issued clarification. IDAI highlighted the recommendation to include infant formula products for children aged six months and older (follow-on formula and growth formula) on a mass scale without specific medical indications. IDAI provided critical notes on the Technical Guidelines (Juknis) for nutrition provision issued by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). IDAI delivered an open letter to BGN concerning the provision of infant formula in MBG.

“Mass distribution policy for infant formula moving ahead today, without medical examination and indications, risks Indonesian mothers stopping breastfeeding,” the open letter stated, confirmed by IDAI Chair Piprim Basarah to Kompas.com, Thursday (21 May 2026).

IDAI stated that breast milk is not merely food, but a protection for babies through its nutritional content.

“Immunological substances from the mother. Beneficial bacteria for the gut. Brain growth signals,” the open letter read.

IDAI’s Chair of the IDAI Infant Feeding Task Force, Naomi Esthernita, stated that breast milk contains living elements that are essential and can never be replicated by any infant formula technology.

“Breast milk is more than just food. It contains hundreds of bioactive components that protect babies and children. It also functions as the mother’s immune protection, good gut bacteria, and as brain growth signals,” Naomi said in a formal press release, Thursday (21 May 2026).

“Breast milk is the best thing humans can produce today. Our children need breast milk; policies that are inappropriate should not cause them to lose something important,” she added.

IDAI’s General Chair, Piprim Basarah, also emphasised that their aim is only to remind the government of its vision to eradicate stunting and improve national nutrition.

“Our task is simply to remind. We hope every nutrition policy genuinely protects children. The state must be present as a protector, not as an intermediary for an industry that seeks to lower the nutritional standards of our nation’s children,” he said.