Yogyakarta, Province with the Highest Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate

According to a survey by the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), the proportion of exclusive breastfeeding for 6-23 month-old children in Indonesia was only 55.5% in 2023.

Exclusive breastfeeding is the practice of feeding a baby only breast milk without any other foods or drinks, except for medication or syrup-form vitamins if needed.

In 2023, 17 provinces had exclusive breastfeeding rates above the national average.

DI Yogyakarta had the highest rate of exclusive breastfeeding, reaching 71.4%.

NTB and Jambi followed with exclusive breastfeeding rates of 68.7% and 68.2%, respectively.

South Papua had the lowest rate of exclusive breastfeeding, at only 33.4%.

The following are the 10 provinces with the highest percentage of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months in Indonesia in 2023:

1. DI Yogyakarta: 71.4%
2. West Nusa Tenggara (NTB): 68.7%
3. Jambi: 68.2%
4. West Sumatra: 64.4%
5. Central Java: 64.4%
6. West Kalimantan: 63.9%
7. Bengkulu: 63.3%
8. North Kalimantan: 63%
9. East Nusa Tenggara (NTT): 62.8%
10. Jakarta: 60.3%

According to the official Kemenkes website, breast milk is the best food for babies because it contains all the nutrients needed for their growth and development.

Babies who do not receive exclusive breastfeeding have increased health risks, such as stunted physical growth, susceptibility to infections and chronic diseases, and emotional disorders due to a lack of mother-baby bonding.

"The mother's role alone is not enough. Support from the husband and family is needed to achieve success in the 6-month exclusive breastfeeding program," wrote Kemenkes on its official website.