MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – The Indonesian government is ramping up its efforts to support working mothers by optimizing lactation rooms in government offices. This commitment came about after a collaborative workshop held between the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KPPPA) and the Central Board of Nasyiatul Aisyiyah Young Women’s Association (PPNA) conducted at the Balairung Jakarta Hotel on May 2 and 3 .
This commitment follows a series of training sessions focused on the importance of optimizing lactation rooms. The training covered topics such as supporting breastfeeding for working mothers, ensuring proper child development up to the age of two, and the benefits of having childcare centers within office buildings.
Ariati Dina Puspitasari, the President of PPNA, highlighted the synergy between the office breastfeeding room program and PPNA’s ongoing initiative to combat childhood stunting, which began in 2017. “PPNA is thrilled to collaborate with these 12 ministries and institutions,” Ariati said. “PPNA has a number of successful programs that promote child development, including ‘Increasing Balanced Nutrition’ (Timbang), FLC-based Parenting Schools, and our own Healthy Adolescent Services (Pashmina).”
The “Technical Guidance for Fulfillment of Children’s Rights to Education and Health: Optimizing Lactation Rooms in the Office Environment” workshop attracted 25 representatives from various ministries and institutions. These included the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK), the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN), the National Library, the National Resilience Council, the State Civil Service Agency, and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
The ultimate goal of this program is to create government workplaces that are welcoming to both children and women. By achieving this, these ministries and institutions hope to serve as role models for other organizations.
The commitments made by the participating ministries and institutions encompass two key areas: policy and implementation. Policy changes will focus on regulating the use of lactation rooms. This includes establishing dedicated lactation room management teams comprised of both male and female employees, with their appointments formalized through official decision letters. Additionally, there will be a standardized circular outlining effective breastfeeding schedules during work hours.
Implementation commitments involve creating educational activities related to breastfeeding within lactation rooms. This will be accompanied by ensuring these spaces are well-equipped, comfortable, and meet appropriate standards to support working mothers. Finally, the program aims to foster breastfeeding communities within each office environment.
Amurwani Dwi Lestariningsih, the Assistant Deputy for Fulfillment of Children’s Rights to Education at KPPPA, emphasized that lactation rooms are more than just places for mothers to pump breast milk. “Lactation rooms can also serve young, pregnant mothers,” Amurwani explained. “These spaces can provide them with valuable education and support regarding proper nutrition during pregnancy, and even help them prepare for breast milk production before their babies are born.” All of this is intended to contribute to the birth of healthy children who will become the future “golden generation” of Indonesia in 2045.
Amurwani encouraged the workshop participants to become advocates and volunteers within their offices, raising awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, particularly for infants under six months old. “Encourage young fathers to be a support system for breastfeeding mothers,” she urged. “A simple act like thanking your wife for breastfeeding can make a big difference.”
Amurwani expressed her gratitude to PPNA for leading the movement to advocate for improved lactation rooms within government ministries and institutions. PPNA was chosen as a partner due to their dedication to child protection and parenting issues.
Risni Julaeni Yuhan, Head of the Education and Research Division of PPNA, reiterated the organization’s focus on women’s and children’s issues. She echoedAmurwani’s call for fathers to be active supporters of breastfeeding mothers. Risni highlighted that PPNA’s various programs, including the FLC-based Parenting School program which involves fathers in child-rearing, are all designed with gender responsiveness in mind. “Similarly, the technical guidance program involving male participants reflects PPNA’s approach to creating gender-responsive lactation rooms,” Risni explained. “This ensures male employees are involved in managing these spaces and supporting breastfeeding mothers.”
