IDAI Criticizes Juknis for Free Nutritious Meals: Distribution of Bulk Formula Milk Violates Health Rules

Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuars hopes that the National Nutrition Agency can follow the applicable health rules because the rules were made to protect Indonesian children. (Bambang Eros VOI)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) has sent a firm criticism and reminder to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) regarding the technical instructions (Juknis) for the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program.

Although it fully appreciates the noble goal of the government to reduce stunting rates towards the Golden Generation 2045, IDAI found critical anomalies in the juknis. The rule facilitates the mass distribution of follow-up formula milk (age 6-12 months) and growth formula (age 12-36 months) without strict medical indication filtering.

IDAI assessed that this mass distribution policy is contrary to the law and has the potential to disrupt the number of exclusive breastfeeding success rates in Indonesia.

Violates the Health Law and PP Protection of Lactation

The Chairman of the IDAI Central Board, DR Dr Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, SpA, Subsp Kardio(K), emphasized that the policy of distributing mass formula milk without specific medical indications violates existing regulations.

"This policy on the distribution of bulk infant formula for children aged 6 months and above is in direct conflict with Law No. 17 of 2023 and PP No. 28 of 2024. We hope that the National Nutrition Agency can follow the applicable health rules because the rules were made to protect Indonesian children," said Dr. Piprim in Jakarta, Thursday (21/5/2026).

In line with this, the Chair of the ASI IDAI Task Force, DR. Dr. Naomi Esthernita F. Dewanto, Sp.A Subsp Neo(K), reminded that the position of breast milk can never be replaced by any industrial product.

"Breast milk is not just food. It contains hundreds of bioactive components, immune substances, and good bacteria for the intestines that stimulate brain growth. Don't let inappropriate policies make children lose something crucial," said Dr. Naomi.

3 IDAI Scientific Analysis Related to the Risk of Bulk Formula Milk

Not without reason, the IDAI Nutrition and Metabolic Disease Coordination Working Unit explained three adverse effects medically and epidemiologically if the BGN juknis is still imposed:

Medicalization Without Indication (Blanket Approach): Formula milk falls into the category of Special Diet Processed Food (PDK) which is individual (tailor-made). Distributing it in bulk violates the principle of medical caution (Primum Non Nocere). Threat to Exclusive Breast Milk: Distribution of breast milk substitutes by state institutions can trigger cross-promotion, lower the lactation rate, and increase the risk of infection and dependence on ultra-processed foods. Ignoring the Effectiveness of Local Food: The clinically proven treatment of MPASI nutrition (over 6 months) to prevent stunting is local animal protein, not the substitution of factory-made formula milk.

"Local food is more effective in preventing stunting. For children over 6 months, the best food is animal protein from local foods such as eggs, fish, chicken, and meat," explained the Head of the IDAI Nutrition Coordination Working Unit, Dr. Yoga Devaera, Sp.A, Subsp.NPM(K).

IDAI Strategic Recommendations for the National Nutrition Agency

In order to align the National Nutrition Agency's big vision with health standards, IDAI issued a number of urgent recommendation points:

Revision and Synchronization of Juknis: Urges BGN to remove the scheme for the mass distribution of follow-up milk formula in juknis, and to harmonize it with the WHO International Code. Return to Limited Medical Indications: The procurement of milk formula should only be provided in a very limited manner for children with medical emergencies (such as congenital metabolic disorders) and must be channeled through closed health service facilities. Shift the Budget to Local Food: IDAI recommends that all budget allocations for the procurement of commercial milk formula be shifted to strengthen the Breast Milk Substitutes (MPASI) program with locally sourced food that is high in animal protein.

"IDAI hopes that BGN can immediately review and synchronize the technical instructions before this policy causes widespread health losses. The policy taken must always prioritize the sovereignty of nutrition and the protection of the essence of Indonesian children," concluded Dr. Piprim.