Breastfeeding Culture Becomes The Focus Of Dhuafa Wallet On World Breastfeeding Weeks

World Breastfeeding Week 2025, Dhuafa Wallet Strengthens exclusive breast milk education. (IST)

JAKARTA Commemorating World Breastfeeding Week 2025, A Free Health Service (LKC Dompet Dhuafa) held a seminar entitled Prioritizing Breastfeeding: Create A Sustainable Support System at the Philanthropy Building Cultural Sasana, South Jakarta, Tuesday (26/8/2025).

This activity aims to strengthen public awareness about the importance of providing exclusive breast milk while building a friendly supporting ecosystem for breastfeeding mothers.

Breastfeeding As National Culture

The event opened with an educational video about the importance of breast milk combined with a cultural approach and local wisdom. Present as the opening ceremony, Andi Makmur Makak (Coordinator of the Dompet Dhuafa Foundation of Republika), Tri Estriani (Beharana & Operational Foundation of Dompet Dhuafa Republika), as well as keynote speech from dr. Lovely Daisy, MKM., Director of Family Health Services at the Ministry of Health RI.

In his remarks, Andi Makmur Maksa emphasized that breastfeeding is not just a biological obligation, but part of the nation's culture.

"In accordance with many aspects, ranging from social to religious. Since the beginning, our parents have used breastfeeding as a positive culture that should be continued," he said.

Tri Estriani added that since 2010, Dompet Dhuafa has consistently accompanied breastfeeding mothers through three main programs: Healthy Areas, Mother and Child Programs, and Midwives for the Country.

The real impact can be seen from the achievement of exclusive breastfeeding. In 2023 the figure is 70%, then it increased significantly to 83% in 2024 and 2025. This achievement deserves appreciation," he said.

Even so, dr. Lovely Daisy emphasized that there are still challenges, such as the lack of knowledge of mothers and families as well as the strength of the erroneous myths about breast milk.

"The role of the family, especially the husband, is very important. The work environment must also support mothers so that they can continue to breastfeed," he explained.

Talkshow And Expert Perspectives

In the talk show session, Yudi Latif (Coordinator of the Dompet Dhuafa Foundation Republika), dr. Asti Praborini, Sp.A, IBCLC (Child Specialist Consultant Lactics and LKC volunteers), and Nia Umar (Chairman of the Indonesian Breastfeeding Mother Association). The discussion was guided by dr. Yeni Purnamasari, MKM., General Manager of Dompet Dhuafa Health.

Local Wisdom As Inspiration

The seminar also highlights the local cultural practice, especially the tradition of the Baduy community in Banten which is closely related to breastfeeding habits. This local wisdom value is expected to be an example in developing breastfeeding culture in Indonesia.

This activity is also in line with government policies, such as PP No. 33 of 2012 concerning Exclusive Breastfeeding and Law no. 4 of 2024 concerning Maternal and Child Welfare which emphasizes the rights of mothers and children in the lactating process.

As a follow-up, LKC Dompet Dhuafa initiated the Culture movement, namely promotions based on local wisdom in various regions. In early August 2025, LKC Dompet Dhuafa has trained 240 cadres throughout Indonesia who are now ready to educate more than 2,400 mothers.

This step is proof of Dompet Dhuafa's commitment to strengthening breastfeeding culture based on local wisdom, while ensuring future generations grow healthier and stronger.