BPS Survey: Mothers Who Are Not Employed Are More Likely to Provide Exclusive Breastfeeding

The Indonesian National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas) by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that 73.97% of Indonesian children aged 0-5 months received exclusive breastfeeding (ASI) in 2023.

Exclusive breastfeeding was more prevalent among children whose mothers were not working, with a proportion of 75.92%.

Meanwhile, exclusive breastfeeding was lower among children whose mothers were working, at 69.48%. Furthermore, 61.45% responded that their status was not relevant.

(Also read: [Trend of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Indonesia Continues to Improve in the Last 4 Years](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2023/08/10/tren-pemberian-asi-eksklusif-di-indonesia-terus-membaik-dalam-4-tahun-terakhir))

BPS cites a statement from the Ministry of Health stating that infants whose mothers return to work after the end of maternity leave are one of the causes of the decline in exclusive breastfeeding practices in infants aged 0-5 months.

The Ministry of Health's Strategic Plan 2020-2024 targets a percentage of 60% for infants under 6 months receiving exclusive breastfeeding.

BPS states that nationally, this target has been achieved. However, several provinces in Indonesia are still below this target.

"Provinces that require further attention are Central Kalimantan, Gorontalo, and Papua," wrote BPS in the 2023 Early Childhood Profile report.

(Also read: [More Girls Under Five Were Given Inadequate Care in 2021](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2023/12/13/lebih-banyak-balita-perempuan-yang-diasuh-tak-layak-pada-2021))