Nova Riyanti Yusuf, MD, PsychiatristMember of Parliament for the Republic of Indonesia,

Commission IX

One Asia Breastfeeding Partners Forum 7 Jakarta

Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Inter Parliamentary Cooperation Body (BKSAP): for the very first time, BKSAP is establishing

a Working Committee (Panja=Panitia Kerja) on MDGs. Since May 2005 Planned to continuously take part until 2015

25 MPs in the working committee, representing various Commissions, two MPs from Commission IX (responsible for health).

To ensure the achievement of MDGs goals by 2015 are constantly on track.

Target 4.A: Reduce by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate. Infant Mortality Rate per 1,000 live births (IMR).

MDGs target 2015: 23 Latest status in 2007: 34

Child Mortality Rate per 1,000 Live Births. MDGs target 2015: 32 Latest status in 2007: 44

Both are on track, BUT the stakeholders must be heavily supervised, especially the Minister of Health. And also to endorse the role of NGOs in this heavy and ongoing process.

Panja MDGs (Working Committee) participated in the UN headquarters, which welcomed the progress made since the last meet in 2005.

Recalling the development goals and commitments emanating from the Millennium Declaration and the 2005 World Summit Outcome reaffirming to work together for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples.

Accelerating progress in order to achieve Millennium Development Goal 4, including through:Taking action to improve child nutrition

through an integrated package of essential interventions and services, including, in particular, access to nutritious food, appropriate supplements, prevention and early management of diarrheal diseases and information and support for exclusive breastfeeding and for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition.

Evidence-based exclusive breastfeeding has positive

correlation in reducing CMR. 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding

equals to saving the lives of 30.000 children/year.

Thus, firm regulation on the promotion, commercial, etc of baby food and milk is urgently needed.

Commission IX must keep an eye on the implementation of the following plans by the MoH: Completing the Government Regulation on

exclusive breastfeeding. Next year the MoH will release a regulation

on banning baby milk commercial for baby < 1 year old.

Also restrict hospitals, doctors, governmental health sectors to be engaged in any form of cooperation with baby milk producer.

One Asia Breastfeeding Partners Forum 7 conducted by the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN ASIA) and Indonesian Breastfeeding Mothers Association (AIMI) with Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia will surely highlight the more pressuring urge to enhance the achievement of Millennium Development Goal 4 by benefiting from exclusive breastfeeding.

The stakeholders in Indonesia must go hand-in-hand to implement this forum’s resolution.

BKSAP (Panja MDGs) and Commission IX will participate actively in advocating the need of exclusive breastfeeding through the role of legislating, budgeting, and controlling.