inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, emphasized that the narrative that the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG) is distributing infant formula en masse needs to be corrected, as the MBG does not provide formula for infants aged 0-6 months.

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

"For infants aged 0-6 months, there is no infant formula intervention in the MBG Program. Therefore, the MBG does not provide any infant formula options at all," said Dadan on Friday (5/22/2026).

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

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

However, these products can only be used as specific nutritional intervention options within the MBG Program, with strict technical criteria and medical indications based on the decision of a health worker or doctor.

"This means they are not intended as breast milk substitutes, are not for free or mass distribution, are not for promotion of the milk industry, and are only given in certain cases and at certain times in accordance with applicable regulations," said Dadan.

Nevertheless, Dadan emphasized that the main focus of the MBG Program remains on fulfilling nutritional needs, protecting exclusive breastfeeding, and ensuring that interventions are provided according to medical needs and nutritional conditions on the ground.

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