Top 10 Indonesian Provinces with the Lowest Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates in 2022

Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the national percentage of exclusive breastfeeding (ASI) reached 72.04% of all infants aged 0-6 months in 2022. This proportion increased by 0.65% year-on-year (yoy) compared to the previous year's 71.58%.

A total of 20 provinces had exclusive breastfeeding rates below the national average last year.

Gorontalo recorded the lowest national exclusive breastfeeding rate in 2022, at only 53.6%.

However, the proportion of exclusive breastfeeding in Gorontalo increased from 52.75% in 2021.

Central Kalimantan ranked second lowest nationally with an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 55.26%. North Sumatra followed in third place with an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 57.17%.

Maluku and Southeast Sulawesi were fourth and fifth, respectively. The exclusive breastfeeding rate in Maluku was 59.62% and in Southeast Sulawesi, 61.68%.

The following is a list of the 10 provinces with the lowest national exclusive breastfeeding rates in 2022:

1. Gorontalo: 53.60%
2. Central Kalimantan: 55.26%
3. North Sumatra: 57.17%
4. Maluku: 59.62%
5. Southeast Sulawesi: 61.68%
6. West Papua: 61.79%
7. Riau Islands: 62.4%
8. Bangka Belitung Islands: 62.77%
9. North Sulawesi: 63.15%
10. South Kalimantan: 64.59%

Meanwhile, the highest national exclusive breastfeeding rate was in West Nusa Tenggara in 2022, at 79.69%.

The first week of August is observed as "World Breastfeeding Week." This aims to raise awareness among all parties about the importance of breastfeeding for infants.

The Director General of Public Health (Dirjen Kesmas) of the Ministry of Health, Maria Endang Sumiwi, stated that exclusive breastfeeding from ages 0-24 months can reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes in adulthood.

"Breast milk contains antibodies, so it can help fight infections and prevent non-communicable diseases in adulthood, because the risk of obesity, or diseases caused by obesity such as diabetes, can be reduced if they drink breast milk," said Maria, as quoted from Antara, Tuesday (8/8/2023).

According to Maria, if infants are not breastfed, they will have an increased risk of infection and nutritional problems.

"Breast milk contains the most complete nutrition, so if it is not given, infants are at risk of allergies and lactose intolerance," she said.