IDAI Responds to Criticism; BGN Chief Says MBG Program Does Not Distribute Infant Formula on a Mass Scale

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) has criticised the policy of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) which distributed infant formula on a mass scale in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. However, BGN says that narrative is not true.

BGN head Dadan Hindayana says there needs to be a correction in the narrative that MBG program distributes infant formula to babies on a mass scale. He says the policy is in line with the principles of the World Health Organization (WHO) and national regulations protecting exclusive breastfeeding.

‘For babies aged 0-6 months there is no infant formula intervention in the MBG programme. Therefore, MBG does not provide any option for infant formula,’ he said in a statement on Friday (22/5/2026).

He noted that the policy is also in line with Health Law No. 17 of 2023, Regulation No. 28 of 2024 on Health, and WHO recommendations related to protecting exclusive breastfeeding. In those regulations, products such as follow-on formula for babies aged 6-12 months, growth formula for children aged 12-36 months, and special drinks for pregnant and breastfeeding women are legal products whose use is regulated by the state.

Nevertheless, these products can only be used as an option for specific nutrition interventions in MBG with stringent technical criteria and medical indications. This is done based on decisions by health professionals or doctors.

‘Meaning they are not substitutes for breast milk, not to be distributed freely or mass, not for promotion of the dairy industry, and only provided in particular cases and times in accordance with the applicable regulations,’ said Dadan.