IDAI Sends Open Letter to BGN Regarding Formula Milk Distribution Policy
The Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) has written to the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, and three other leaders. The open letter contains input on the implementation of mass distribution of formula milk in the Free Nutritious Meals MBG programme.
They are part of IDAI’s Breast Milk (ASI) Task Force and the Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases Working Group (UKK Nutrisi Penyakit Metabolik IDAI). The letter was uploaded via the Instagram account @idai_ig.
“Millions of babies and children in Indonesia cannot speak for themselves. We pediatricians in Indonesia speak for them,” read the caption on Thursday, 21 May 2026.
According to IDAI, the mass distribution of formula milk in the MBG programme risks mothers stopping breastfeeding, particularly as it is done without medical examination and indications.
While formula milk is the best practice that can be created by humanity today, IDAI states that the benefits of breast milk for babies and children are irreplaceable.
Breast milk contains thousands of bioactive components that protect babies. Babies and children, according to IDAI, still require breast milk.
They call for improvements to policy implementation in MBG for babies and children. “Do not let the policy today deprive babies and children of something important,” IDAI said.
They stress that this input is not merely an argument about concerns over the policy’s implementation; IDAI states the constitution also clearly regulates the distribution of formula milk for babies and children.
“Law No. 17 of 2023 and Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024 regulate that formula can only be provided on the recommendation of a doctor and for medical indications,” IDAI said.
IDAI also mentions a reprimand by the Health Ministry to BGN for the mass distribution of formula milk, as set out in Circular GM.01.02/B.III/52/2025 and GM 01.04/B/41/2025.
IDAI proposes recommendations that BGN could implement as part of policy improvements. First, harmonise public policy between BGN and the Health Ministry. Second, restore the use of formula according to doctors’ recommendations and medical indications.
IDAI also recommends that BGN prioritise local dietary autonomy and review and harmonise technical guidelines on national nutrition interventions to align with regulations.
“We hope every nutrition policy is truly child-centred. The state must protect, not act as an intermediary for industries seeking to reduce the nutritional standards of our nation’s children,” IDAI said.
Head of BGN Dadan Hindayana explained the distribution of formula in the MBG programme is based on recommendations from midwives or community health centres. If medical staff do not recommend it, he said, formula will not be distributed to babies and children.
He explained that the agency’s technical guidelines list three types of formula: infant formula, follow-on formula, and growth formula.
Follow-on and growth formula options are available for babies who need them. The option can be exercised by nutrition service units (SPPG) in each region if there is a medical recommendation for the use of these two types of formula.
Moreover, he said BGN does not offer infant formula in MBG nutrition distribution. “We want to prioritise breastfeeding. It seems IDAI has not carefully read the technical guidelines and circulars,” he said when contacted on Thursday, 21 May 2026.