Not Just Eating Nutritious, This Is The Key To Optimal Child Growth and Development

The atmosphere of the activity coloring the packaging of Tango Kido Full Cream Milk in the context of product launch (Photo: OT Group Doc)

JAKARTA - The National Children's Day moment reminds us that children's growth and development is a shared responsibility. Starting from the family, medical personnel, academics, government, to the food industry. The 2025 Food Consumption Statistics Data from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia (based on BPS Susenas) is one of the references to monitor the nutritional condition of the community.

dr. Kanya Ayu Paramastri, Sp.A., Pediatric Specialist, emphasized that children's growth and development need thorough attention. Not only food, but also good eating habits, physical activity, quality sleep, and proper stimulation.

"Building a child is like building a house. The foundation is nutrition, from macronutrients to micronutrients, everything must be fulfilled well," said dr. Kanya at Central Park, Jakarta on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

"The walls are stimulation, affection, and interaction. While the roof is immunization. It's useless to have a magnificent building if it doesn't have an immunization roof, because children will be easily exposed to diseases," he continued.

dr. Kanya added that unfulfilled nutrition can have long-term effects on children.

"The basic foundation is definitely nutrition. Macronutrients and micronutrients must all be correct, because that is the basic capital for immunity as well. If it is not met, it will have long-term effects. Starting from less optimal thinking to the risk of stunting, which also has an impact on the child's IQ and future," said dr. Kanya.

dr. Kanya also advises parents to pay attention to the nutritional content, calories, and sugar when choosing dairy products, the more complete the nutrients (including probiotics and vitamins), the better it is for children's growth and development.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Epi Taufik, Professor of Dairy Science and Technology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, IPB University, explained that milk is an important source of animal protein for children. He also straightened the meaning of the label "no added sugar".

"The meaning of 'without added sugar' is that there is no addition of granulated sugar beyond the natural sugar that is already contained in the material itself, for example lactose in milk or fructose in honey. So, the sweetness is purely from natural sugar, not from added sugar," said Prof. Epi.

Prof. Epi reminded the dangers of excessive sugar intake, so BPOM has set limits on sugar, salt, and fat intake. He also highlighted the gap in national milk production.

"The national milk needs per year, if compared to fresh milk, is around 4.7 billion liters. Meanwhile, our farmers' production is only around 800 thousand tons or equivalent to 200 million liters, far from the needs. Milk demand increases by around 6 percent per year, while production only increases by 1 percent, so the gap is getting wider," said Prof. Epi.

This moment was used by OT Group to introduce Tango Kido Full Cream Milk, made from fresh cow's milk without added sugar/sucrose, at the "Children's Creation for the Country" event in Tribeca, Central Park, Jakarta - part of the "Accompany its Growth, Celebrate Every Step!" campaign.

"Meeting children's nutrition is a shared responsibility. In line with this, we continue to strive to present products that pay attention to children's nutritional standards and needs," concluded Johan Lianto, Managing Director of the Dairy & Bread OT Group.

"Tango Kido Full Cream Milk made from Fresh Milk (fresh cow's milk) without added sugar/sucrose has met the technical specifications of milk as stipulated in the Decree of the Head of the National Nutrition Agency Number 63426.2 of 2026. We also believe that children's growth and development are not only determined by intake, but also by the presence of parents in every process." he continued.

Experts agree that child development is a long journey that needs comprehensive support. Not only about nutrition, but also the presence and accompaniment of parents at every stage of learning, playing, and growing children.