6 The results of advocacy and commitment of ASI Concerned Fathers are already visible in Makassar. From
an initial survey conducted at Cenderawasih Community Health Centers in 2012, only 43 of mothers were aware of the concept of exclusive breastfeeding. However, in 2014, 80 of post-partum mothers
had decided to exclusively breastfeed their babies. Mothers also now feel braver to oppose and reject formula milk, and often provide advice to other mothers on the benefits of immediate and exclusive
breastfeeding.
4. Exclusive Breastfeeding in Probolinggo, East Java
The government of Probolinggo has been a strong supporter of the exclusive breastfeeding movement. o
The District Head of Probolinggo was inaugurated as the distri t s first reastfeedi g ambassador. She also issued a District Head Decree on Safe Childbirth and Immediate
Exclusive Breastfeeding that was developed in consultation with multi-stakeholder forums. o
Formula milk at health facilities and at private midwifery clinics was banned throughout the district.
o The District Head, together with the District Health Office, actively carries out spot checks on
health facilities and private midwifery clinics to see whether they still provide formula milk. Sanctions are then imposed on those violating the ban.
o Community health centers declared that the katuk leaf sauropus androgynous is useful in
boosting breast milk production, and subsequently provided katuk leaf dishes for mothers giving birth in community health centers and hospitals.
o The local government worked together with the private sector to develop breastfeeding rooms
at workplaces.
5. Exclusive Breastfeeding Campaign, Beji Community Health Center, Tulangagung District, East Java
As part of a wider campaign to increase rates of exclusive breastfeeding in Tulangagung district, Beji Community Health Center cancelled an agreement with a formula milk company. Since May 2013, staff
at the health center are no longer allowed to promote or distribute formula milk products. This brave decision made by the head of this community health center is in line with demands of public supervision
agencies and also in accordance with new local regulations that prohibit the circulation of formula milk in public healthcare facilities.
The impact on breastfeeding rates has been significant. Between May and July 2013, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding amongst new mothers at Beji Community Health Center rose from 54.65 to
87.5.
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6. Batua Community Health Center, Makassar City, South Sulawesi
