Exclusive, Head of the ASI IDAI Task Force Naomi Esthernita Fauzia Dewanto reminds the distribution of formula milk not to distort the role of breast milk

The program for giving formula milk (sufor) by MBG made the Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) speak out. According to the Head of the ASI Task Force of IDAI, Dr. dr. Naomi Esthernita Fauzia Dewanto, SpA, SubspNeo(K), what they are worried about is that giving sufor can distort the role of breast milk (ASI) which is very fundamental.

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According to Naomi, her party is not hostile to sufor, but wants to put the role and function as it should be. "Maybe the intention is good, but the way it is implemented must also be good. So that it is clear to the people who need it. Don't let the milk be distorted. This is the most important thing. In fact, we and other parties have trained or supported mothers to breastfeed and provide exclusive breast milk," he said.

After IDAI spoke up and became a controversy, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) which implemented this program spoke up. The head of BGN Dadan Hindayana while still active emphasized the narrative that said MBG distributed baby formula in bulk needed to be straightened. He ensured that there was no provision of formula milk for babies aged 0-6 months in the program.

"For babies aged 0-6 months, there is no intervention for infant formula in the MBG Program. Therefore, MBG does not provide any option for infant formula," said Dadan as reported by VOI, Friday, May 22, 2026.

In the process of exclusive breastfeeding, said Naomi, all parties must be involved and become a support system so that mothers can carry out their duties. "Not only the mother, but also the father, the family, including health workers, even the government. All like a chain that supports mothers to breastfeed and provide exclusive breast milk," said Naomi Esthernita to Edy Suherli, Bambang Eros, and Irfan Meidianto from VOI who met him at the IDAI Center office, in the Salemba number, Central Jakarta, 4 June 2026.

The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program was originally for schoolchildren, then expanded to pregnant women and toddlers. In principle, IDAI sees the expansion of this target as a blessing or is it a danger alarm?

If we want to move towards the Golden Indonesia, overcoming stunting actually starts from the first thousand days. The first thousand days start from when the mother is pregnant until the child is two years old. So, we can't overcome nutrition suddenly, but it has to start from the beginning. If the pregnant mother gives birth to a child who has IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restriction, which is a condition in which fetal growth in the uterus is inhibited, so that the size and weight are smaller than the standard of gestational age), it is already a PR to overcome stunting.

So the idea of distributing this milk is good, but as long as it is implemented well. How to provide good nutrition for pregnant women, so that she can give birth to a quality baby. And the baby must be given good nutrition since birth. Good nutrition and in accordance with the regulations is breast milk. From birth to six months, the best is exclusive breast milk. Then continue from six months to two years or more breast milk plus MPASI (companion food for breast milk), not breast milk plus formula.

So formula milk can't be compared with breast milk, right?

Yes, it is clear that it cannot be compared. Because if breast milk is not just nutrition, it has anti-infective substances, there are growth hormones. Well, it's not in any formula milk. Psychologically there is also intense closeness with his mother. There is bonding, there is stimulation from mother to baby.

How in a condition where the mother can't give breast milk, can formula milk be a substitute?

"We are not hostile to formula milk. That is, there is a place where we have indications to give formula milk. For example, if we see the growth of a child with breast milk alone, he does not rise well, so we must first see what the cause is. Maybe the way he attaches the position is wrong, that's what we fix. Or we see that he does not gain weight not because of that, there is another infection that we treat.

But if everything has been corrected, it is still necessary, yes, it is an indication that formula milk is given. One of them is like that. So, we have to see what the cause of the milk not coming out. Because if it's wrong, the more milk comes out. Or the emptying of the breasts is not correct. So, the production will be reduced over time.

So, it must be seen what the problem is and parents must be educated about this, right?

Yes, it was from the beginning that we investigated why this problem could arise and a solution was sought.

Regarding the BGN who will provide formula milk to toddlers, has IDAI conducted an investigation or found out in which area?

"Currently we can't talk in detail about it. But our monitoring there are several areas that have started to be socialized. That's why we think it's better to talk. Maybe the idea is good, but how to implement it so that it is more useful for the community.

Was IDAI invited to talk to BGN or other related institutions?

Until now, no. Actually, this problem was written by the Ministry of Health last year, but it seems that it has not been responded to. Then we saw that there was a memorandum about it, yes we think it's better for us all to synergize. The reason is that we are all heading towards Indonesia Emas, Indonesian children so that they are more qualified.

For formula milk, BGN said that they do not give it to babies aged 0 to 6 months, which is given above, even if it is given because of a doctor's recommendation. What is the doctor's response to this?

Yes, it must be given 6 to 12 months as long as there are indications. So you can't give orders arbitrarily. The officers must first train those who serve at the health center or at the posyandu. IDAI has gone to the regions to train the officers, so that they are not wrong because of ignorance. So giving or distributing formula milk is like free-free, that's what we're afraid of.

"Doctors at the health center must monitor if they find a child whose weight does not increase according to the existing provisions, he must intervene. If he can't go up either, he must refer to the local pediatrician. So, there is a portion to be given (formula milk) with an indication. So, what we are worried about because of ignorance, distributing it more widely and not on indications.

"For this matter, if we look at the various IDAI organizations, the loudest voice, can this matter be explained?"

Because this is related to children, yes. The patient is a baby patient, whether you want it or not, this is the IDAI field.

And the loud voice from IDAI This is the end of the response, what is your response?

"Yes, but yes, if we can, we will have a hearing on how to solve this problem. Moreover, the Ministry of Health has written about this.

Actually, the juknis and juklak are clear about the idea of distributing this formula milk?

"What we can do is the juklak and juknis have not been socialized. So we are afraid that it will not be wrong. Maybe it will be improved or we have to sit down together to improve so that it is not wrong. Again, maybe the intention is good, but the way to implement it must be good as well. So that it is clear to the people who need it. Don't let the milk be distorted. This is the most important thing. In fact, during this time we and other parties have trained or supported mothers to breastfeed.

"Don't let this laktasinya environment be distorted by the distribution of formula milk that is not in its place. Although the goal is good, but the implementation is not right. This is what we have to straighten out. Because the problem of breastfeeding mothers and the provision of formula milk has rules.

Hopefully with the new BGN Chair, because she is also a woman, it can be more connected, right?

Hopefully it can be like that. Remember this breastfeeding issue is not just the mother's job. Dad also has to support.

"Well, what do you think the support is like?

A lot, there is a term for breastfeeding father. It's not the father who breastfeeds, but with him supporting it means in the form of mental. If he has an older child, maybe the older child is taken care of by his father. If his mother breastfeeds, he might take diapers or what, meaning he will feel not alone.

So can you help create a supportive system that is conducive to breastfeeding activities?

"True, especially if on the first and second day the breast milk usually hasn't come out. Even though the mother really wants to breastfeed, but her breast milk is still a little. If the father or the environment does not support it, they usually suggest giving formula milk. But if the father supports and he understands how it works physiologically, he will definitely support it. Yes, it's okay, try again.

And if the first day, the second one has not come out, it is normal, because the physiology is like that. And the more often it is simulated, the more milk it will have. So how is the emptying of the breast that I said must be right. We have to improve the management of the laktasinya first. If it can't be done or there is something and it is indicated, only look for alternatives. The hierarchy of the donation is the mother's own breast milk, then donor breast milk and formula milk.

So you have to support it very much, Dok, for this breastfeeding?

Actually, according to the World Breastfeeding Week symposium, everyone has a role. Not only his mother, but also his father, his family, including health workers, even the government. All like a chain that supports breastfeeding mothers and provides exclusive breast milk.

"Our focus is to prioritize breast milk. Formula milk is not prohibited, it is used in its place. But don't let the spread of this formula milk become a distortion, so that the breast milk program is lost by the program to distribute formula milk.

To support exclusive breastfeeding, should funds from the BGN be given to mothers to consume nutritious foods so that breast milk production runs smoothly?

I'm not very competent in matters of funds. But the point is that the mother must be guaranteed to have good nutrition, not anemia. Because there are so many pregnant women with anemia in Indonesia, it also has bad consequences. Health workers must also intervene to educate pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, to support these mothers to breastfeed.

Which is better, whether the money is bought formula milk or for the food of the breastfeeding mother?

If the money is given to his mother, is it really bought for his food? So everything is a mess. Therefore, it must be discussed so that the funds available are used properly and as well as possible.

"Until now, what are the obstacles so that doctors are not or less involved, right, Doc?

Wah, I don't know. We never had anything really. Yesterday we spoke out loud because we didn't want anything to go wrong. So yes, before it happened, we talked to the public.

What else is recommended to BGN in this MBG program to be really on target?

We from IDAI suggest that in making programs, we must always unite breast milk. Breast milk is the best. Let's join hands for the progress of Indonesian children. We will lead to Golden Indonesia 2045. We are happy to provide assistance.

What advice do you have for mothers who are breastfeeding?

Before breastfeeding, try to make the pregnancy enjoyable, not stressful, and eat nutritious food. And remember, it has to be prepared. If there are breastfeeding classes, you can participate so that you can educate them. In the early breastfeeding, there will be a lot of problems. Oh, the milk is not enough, it does not come out, and others. All of this must be faced and resolved. IDAI prepares modules and provides training to doctors so that they can help mothers in the first two weeks of breastfeeding. The goal is that exclusive breastfeeding can be given to the baby.

"All of this must be supported. Not only mothers, but families, medical personnel, the government, and now BGN also want to contribute. Let's all support exclusive breastfeeding. We all have a role, don't let this important thing be the wrong target.

What is the advice for BGN, especially and especially for Mrs. Nanik S. Deyang who is now the successor of Pak Dadan Hindayana?

I think Ibu Nanik has been working with IDAI for quite some time. Hopefully we can work well together. We all fight for the future of Indonesian children so that their growth and development are optimal.

In the midst of being a professional doctor and his role in the organization as the Head of the ASI IDAI Task Force, the Head of the ASI IDAI Task Force, Dr. dr. Naomi Esthernita Fauzia Dewanto, SpA, SubspNeo(K), still sets aside time to meet the physical and spiritual needs in a balanced manner, namely by exercising regularly and playing the hobby of playing badminton.

By maintaining this balance, he managed to maintain the quality of his life. "My hobbies are many. For sports I play badminton, dance, and travel," said the doctor who is also a former badminton athlete.

"Well, my friends. There are many; Susi Susanti, Sarwendah, Rosiana Tendean, etc.," said Naomi, who once joined the Jaya Raya Jakarta club.

As a professional badminton player, he was hesitant whether to continue as an athlete or pursue a medical school. "I used to play for real, then because I entered medicine, I had to choose. Finally, I chose to go to college at level four, because at that time I had started to guard the night," said the doctor who had won trophies at the Jakarta level and this national championship.

The key to success in everything, he said, is enthusiasm and discipline. "If in badminton it is shown by Chinese players. Our players are also there, especially those who have achieved world achievements, both then and now," he said.

In the current era of padel, he also tried it. "I was invited by a friend to play padel. For fun, it's okay, you just have to warm up enough so you don't get injured and also enough cooling," he continued.

For traveling, he is not alone. "Usually with friends yes. Indonesia has many good destinations; Bali, Lombok, Labuan Bajo, Magelang. I went to Borobudur and tried to ride a jeep to an area called Nepal Van Java. It's really exciting," he said enthusiastically.

Even though many people like solo travel, he is consistent with the group because it is more fun. "If you are alone, it is not pleasant, it is not fun," he said.

Naomi admitted that traveling was tiring, but fun. "It's tiring, but it's happy. It means there's a refreshing. We also need to relax, not work all the time," he continued.

So, there must be a balance between work and meeting personal needs. "So it has to be smart for the time. Meeting friends, that's also important. In between work, we have to take time if there are friends coming from abroad. Meet and gather, like a small reunion over lunch," he said.

Even though he is busy, Naomi can still keep his body slim and ideal. And he is not stingy to share tips. "Between work, rest, exercise, and balanced hobbies. Rest is very important. Because when you are sleep-deprived, the other things will be disturbed. So you can't be at your best," he said.

For food, until now he has no restrictions. "Yes, praise God, I'm not dieting. The important thing is to know, don't eat over, you have to know yourself. The older you get, the metabolism is not like when you were young," he said.

The key, he said, is to do the best, balanced, and happy. "Be happy and just do the best. What can you do, do it. And enjoy your work," concluded Naomi Esthernita Fauzia Dewanto.

"Don't let this laktasinya environment be distorted by the distribution of formula milk that is not in place. Although the goal is good, but the implementation is not right. This is what we have to straighten out. Because the problem of breastfeeding mothers and the provision of formula milk has rules. "

Naomi Esthernita Fauzia Dewanto