BGN Emphasizes MBG Does Not Share Formula Milk for Babies 0-6 Months

Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana. ANTARA/Nur Imansyah.

JAKARTA - Babies aged 0-6 months generally do not need additional formula milk if exclusive breastfeeding is well met. In this early phase of life, breast milk is still the main source of nutrition recommended because it contains nutrients and antibodies that are important to support baby growth and development.

Therefore, the issue related to the provision of formula milk in the government program has recently become a public concern, especially regarding the protection of exclusive breast milk for babies.

Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana emphasized that the narrative that the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) distributes baby formula in bulk needs to be straightened out. He ensures that there is 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," Dadan said in Jakarta, Friday, May 22.

According to him, the policy refers to the World Health Organization (WHO) principles and various national regulations that protect the exclusive breastfeeding, including Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health and Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024 concerning Health.

Dadan explained that follow-up milk formula products for infants aged 6-12 months, children's growth milk for children aged 12-36 months, and special drinks for pregnant and lactating mothers are indeed legal products regulated by the state. However, their use in the MBG Program is not free.

"This means that it is not a substitute for breast milk, not to be distributed freely or in bulk, not to promote the milk industry, and only given in certain cases and at certain times in accordance with applicable regulations," he said.

He added that the provision of these products can only be carried out as part of certain nutritional interventions with medical considerations and the decision of health workers.

The main focus of the MBG Program, said Dadan, remains on meeting people's nutrition as well as protection against exclusive breastfeeding. The government also ensures that every nutritional intervention is provided according to the health needs in the field.

In addition, Dadan also explained that the Head of BGN Circular Number 10 of 2020 actually regulates the provision of milk for students ranging from PAUD level to equivalent SMA. The rules are not related to the provision of milk for toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

Meanwhile, the Head of BGN Decree Number 63426.2 of 2026 contains technical instructions regarding the specifications, nutritional content, and distribution mechanism of milk for certain groups.

Currently, the technical guidelines for food distribution and nutrition education in the MBG Program are still in the process of revision with a number of ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Health, BKKBN, BPOM, and Bappenas.

According to Dadan, the revision was carried out so that the rules implemented remain in line and do not create misunderstandings in the community.

"We thank the public for their attention, input, and concern for the MBG Program. All aspirations that have developed into materials for evaluation and improvement so that the policies implemented remain in the interests of maternal and child health," said Dadan Hindayana.