BGN boss: No formula milk in MBG program for babies 0-6 months

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

JAKARTA - The 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, because there is no formula milk in MBG for babies aged 0-6 months.

He explained that the BGN policy refers to the principles of the World Health Organization (WHO) and national regulations that protect exclusive breastfeeding.

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

This policy, he continued, is in line with the Health Law Number 17 of 2023, Government Regulation (PP) Number 28 of 2024 concerning Health, as well as WHO recommendations regarding the protection of exclusive breast milk.

Dadan emphasized that products, such as follow-up formula milk for infants aged 6-12 months, growth formula milk for children aged 12-36 months, and special drinks for pregnant and lactating mothers, are legal products whose use is regulated by the state.

However, this product can only be used as a certain nutritional intervention option in the MBG Program with strict technical criteria and medical indications based on the decision of health workers or doctors.

"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.

However, Dadan emphasized that the main focus of the MBG Program remains on efforts to meet nutrition, protect exclusive breastfeeding, and ensure that interventions are provided according to medical needs and nutritional conditions in the field.

In addition, Dadan also explained that the Head of BGN Circular (SE) Number 10 of 2020 regulates the provision of milk to learners ranging from TK/PAUD level to SMA/MA level. Therefore, the SE is not related to the provision of milk for toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers or group 3B.

Meanwhile, SK Head of BGN Number 63426.2 of 2026 is a technical instruction regarding the specifications, nutritional content, and mechanisms for the provision and distribution of milk, including for Group 3B.

The policy of giving or intervening in nutrition is regulated in the technical guidelines for food distribution as well as nutrition education and food safety in the MBG Program for the 3B group, which is currently being revised together by BGN, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance/BKKBN, BPOM, and Bappenas.

According to Dadan, the revision process was carried out to ensure that all rules remain in line and do not cause multiple interpretations in the community. BGN also expressed its appreciation to the public, health workers, maternal and child health activists, and various parties who have given attention, input, and suggestions for the implementation of the MBG Program.

"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.