Yogyakarta Had the Nation's Longest Average Duration of Breastfeeding in 2021

Breast milk (ASI) is the most ideal and healthy intake for babies. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continued breastfeeding up to 2 years or more is crucial for improving a baby's health.

According to a report by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the average duration of breastfeeding in Indonesia was 10.5 months in 2021. The average duration of breastfeeding in rural areas was 10.61 months, longer than in urban areas, which was 10.42 months.

By province, Yogyakarta has the longest average breastfeeding duration nationally, reaching 11.63 months. Lampung is second with an average breastfeeding duration of 11.35 months.

Meanwhile, the shortest average breastfeeding duration is in Maluku Province at 9.24 months. North Sulawesi follows with an average breastfeeding duration of 9.58 months.

The government encourages mothers to succeed in early initiation of breastfeeding, provide exclusive breastfeeding (breast milk only until 6 months of age), and continue breastfeeding until the age of 2 years or more, accompanied by appropriate complementary foods.

(Read More: 70.86% of Babies in Jakarta Received Exclusive Breastfeeding in 2020)