Capacity Building for Limo Cadres in Countering Unethical Formula Milk Marketing through Counseling and Focus Group Discussions

FIKES UPNVJ - The Community Service Team from the Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES) and the Faculty of Engineering (FT) of the National Development University "Veteran" Jakarta (UPNVJ), consisting of lecturers and students, conducted an educational and interactive activity for health workers in the Limo District, Depok City. The activity was carried out in two phases: on Tuesday, July 16, 2025, and continued on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The activity addressed the important topic of unethical formula marketing practices, as an effort to protect children's rights to breast milk and increase the capacity of health workers as frontline workers in the community.

At the first meeting on July 16, 2025, 20 health workers from various sub-districts in Limo District participated in a training session that discussed the importance of breastfeeding, the risks of inappropriate formula feeding, the characteristics of unethical formula promotion, and how to report violations to the authorities. The material was delivered by a community nursing lecturer and facilitated by students through an interactive discussion. The cadres appeared enthusiastic, and many stated that they had just realized that some forms of formula milk promotion they had encountered in the community actually violated ethical codes and health policies.

In this two-hour training, participants were provided with educational and practical materials covering:

The importance of breastfeeding for maternal and infant health, including long-term benefits for child development and a reduced risk of maternal disease.

The risks of inappropriate formula milk administration, such as increased incidence of diarrhea, malnutrition, and economic dependence on manufactured products.

Characteristics of unethical formula milk marketing include providing free samples, using direct promotional materials to target pregnant/breastfeeding mothers, and conveying misleading information in product promotions.

Mechanisms for reporting violations, from recording evidence to filing a complaint with the health office or authorized agency.

This activity was presented interactively, with presentations by nursing lecturers and an active question-and-answer session by the cadres. Students also played a role in facilitating the discussion to ensure the cadres understood the material.

The enthusiasm and support of the community were evident at the activity, which was attended by 20 health cadres from various sub-districts in the Limo area. Many participants expressed that they had not fully understood that some of the formula milk product promotional practices they encountered in the community actually violated international codes of ethics and government policies. "I've seen promotional workers visiting integrated health posts (Posyandu) and handing out brochures, but I didn't know that was a violation," said one cadre from Meruyung Sub-district.

In her remarks, the head of the community service team, Rita Ismail, SKp, MKM, MTD (HE), PhD, emphasized the importance of cadres' role in combating and raising public awareness of unethical formula milk marketing. This activity is part of a long-term effort to strengthen the capacity of cadres as the frontline defenders of breastfeeding practices in the community. “The role of cadres is very strategic in conveying correct information and accompanying mothers so that they are not influenced by manipulative formula milk promotions. This community service activity received financial support from the UPNVJ Research and Community Service Institute. The Community Service Team consists of lecturers and students from FIKES and the Faculty of Engineering UPNVJ, namely Rita Ismail, SKp, MKM, MTD (HE), PhD., Ns. Eny Dewi Pamungkas, S.Kep., M.Kep., Sp.Kep. Mat, Ns. Dora Samaria, M.Kep, Ns. Lina Ayu Marcelina, S.Kep., M.Kep., Sp.Kep.Mat, Armansyah, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dr. Damora Rhakasywi, S.T., M.T., Mahira Salwa Aurelia, Ananda Rizkiati Ramadhani, Talitha Cahya Kemala, Erlia Nurbaiti Rosidi, Ridwan Bambang Rianto, and Naufal Dery Pewanto.

As a follow-up to this activity, the community service team will hold a second meeting on August 5, 2025. The second meeting will be a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to directly discuss the findings of the cadres in the field. Mrs. Jumiati, a cadre from the Grogol area, reported that during her integrated health post (Posyandu) activities, there was a promotion of formula milk without permission from the village head. "I immediately documented it and reported it to Mrs. Eny, who then contacted the head of the community health center," said Mrs. Jumiati. Mrs. Erna reported a similar finding, stating that the promoter returned the next day and conducted a direct interview as a follow-up.

The activity concluded with the formation of a task force (Satgas) for Citizen Solidarity to Combat Formula Milk Violations (SIGAP SUFOR). Cadres will be tasked with monitoring and reporting any deviant marketing practices found in their neighborhoods. It is hoped that through this activity, cadres will not only become information conduits, but also primary protectors of infants' rights to breast milk, as well as community mobilizers in rejecting unethical formula milk promotional practices. This program is a concrete demonstration of collaboration between educational institutions and the community in creating a healthier, more critical environment that supports the rights of mothers and children.