Regrettable: Exclusive Breastfeeding Coverage Still Uneven

Coverage of exclusive breastfeeding (ASI) in Indonesia is still facing challenges, particularly among working mothers. Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development, Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka, stated that based on March 2025 SUSENAS data, the percentage of children aged 0–5 months receiving exclusive ASI reaches 72.3 percent. “If viewed by the mother’s employment status, the percentage of children aged 0–5 months receiving exclusive ASI among working mothers is lower than non-working mothers, namely 68.57 percent compared to 74.07 percent. From this data, increased efforts in education and support for mothers and families are needed so that exclusive ASI coverage can become more equitable across all regions of Indonesia,” said Isyana on Thursday (2/4). She also emphasised the importance of fathers’ involvement in supporting successful breastfeeding. According to her, fathers’ support can stimulate oxytocin hormones that play a role in smooth ASI production. “Child rearing is not only the mother’s responsibility, but a shared responsibility between father and mother,” she stated. Furthermore, she affirmed that support for breastfeeding mothers needs to be strengthened comprehensively, from the family environment, health workers, to workplaces and communities. Strengthening lactation management is important so that mothers obtain adequate information, support, and guidance from pregnancy to breastfeeding periods. The Ministry of Population and Family Development/BKKBN continues to promote strengthening of child rearing education and nutritional fulfilment at the family level. “The role of Family Support Teams (TPK), Family Planning Extension Officers, and field cadres is very important in ensuring every family has the understanding and ability to support child growth and development,” she concluded.