Pediatricians Challenge Formula Distribution in Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal Program
The Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) has formally intervened in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, issuing an open letter to the head of the National Nutrition Body (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, and other institutional leaders. The letter, authored by members of the IDAI Task Force for Breastfeeding and Nutritional Disorders, expresses significant concern over the inclusion of formula milk in the national initiative.
Concerns Over Breastfeeding and Regulation
In a statement released on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the association argued that the mass distribution of formula milk risks undermining breastfeeding practices across the country. IDAI emphasized that the program, as currently structured, operates without the necessary prior medical examinations or specific clinical indications required for such interventions.
The pediatricians pointed to existing legal frameworks, specifically Law Number 17 of 2023 and Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024, which mandate that formula milk be administered only upon a doctor’s recommendation. The association highlighted that the Ministry of Health had previously issued warnings to the BGN regarding this distribution policy, documented in circular letters numbered GM.01.02/B.III/52/2025 and GM 01.04/B/41/2025.
“We hope that every nutritional policy genuinely prioritizes children; the state must step in as a protector, not act as a conduit for industries looking to lower the nutritional standards of the nation’s youth,” the association stated.
Official Response from the National Nutrition Body
Dadan Hindayana, head of the BGN, defended the program’s operations during an interview on May 21, 2026. He clarified that the distribution of formula milk is strictly contingent upon formal recommendations from local midwives or community health centers. According to Hindayana, if medical personnel do not provide approval, no formula milk is distributed to infants or children.
Hindayana further noted that the BGN excludes standard infant formula from its distribution pipeline to prioritize breastfeeding. He explained that the technical guidelines focus on three tiers—infant, follow-up, and growth formulas—with the latter two intended only as targeted options for those with documented medical needs. He suggested that the concerns raised by IDAI may stem from a lack of thorough review regarding the agency’s existing technical guidelines and circulars.
Path Forward and Implications
The conflict highlights a tension between national nutritional goals and medical standards. To resolve the dispute, IDAI has urged the BGN to harmonize its public health policies with those of the Ministry of Health and to prioritize local food self-sufficiency over the use of formula milk.
A possible next step involves a formal synchronization of technical guidelines governing national nutritional interventions to ensure compliance with existing laws. If the BGN and the Ministry of Health do not reach a consensus, the program could face continued scrutiny from medical professionals regarding its impact on infant health standards. Analysts may observe whether the BGN adjusts its communication or operational procedures to better align with the medical community’s recommendations for protecting infant nutrition.
