IDAI Issues Open Letter to BGN, Highlights Formula Milk Provision in MBG Programme

The Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) has issued an open letter to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) concerning the provision of infant formula within the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, which it says could disrupt breastfeeding. IDAI chair Piprim Basarah Yanuarso confirmed the open letter was addressed to BGN Chief Dadan Hindayana, Deputy Chairs Nanik S Deyang, Sony Sonjaya, and Lodewyk Pusung. ‘The policy of mass distribution of formula milk operating today, without medical examination and medical indications, risks Indonesian mothers stopping breastfeeding,’ the open letter reads, as confirmed by Kompas.com on Thursday (21 May 2026). IDAI states that breast milk is not merely food, but a protector for babies through its nutritional content. ‘Immune substances from the mother. Beneficial bacteria for the gut. Signals of brain growth,’ the open letter reads. IDAI then added that none of the nutritional components of breast milk can be replaced by formula. ‘Our children need breast milk. Let us not let today’s policies deprive them of something important,’ the letter states. IDAI also noted that Law No. 17 of 2023 and Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024 clearly regulate that ‘Formula may only be given on the recommendation of a doctor and with medical indications.’ Moreover, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia has officially reminded BGN twice regarding formula provision for infants. In the letter, IDAI put forward four recommendations to BGN: 1. Harmonise public policy between the National Nutrition Agency and the Ministry of Health. 2. Restore the allocation of formula milk in accordance with doctors’ recommendations and medical indications. 3. Prioritise local food self-sufficiency.