BACKGROUND:
The aggressive marketing of breast-milk substitutes (BMS) continues to undermine breastfeeding practices globally. In Indonesia, where midwives are key agents in promoting maternal and child health, professional associations play a vital role in setting standards of conduct. However, these associations especially at the central level have engaged in various forms of collaboration with BMS manufacturers, including sponsorships, joint events, and indirect promotions. Such actions violate the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (“the Code”) and pose a direct threat to breastfeeding advocacy.

OBJECTIVES:
This policy analysis aims to evaluate the current policy frameworks governing midwifery professional conduct in Indonesia, benchmarked against international standards, and to identify institutional vulnerabilities that compromise adherence to the Code.

METHODS:
A comparative analysis of national and international policies was conducted. Indonesian regulations, ethical codes, and professional guidelines related to BMS marketing and midwifery practice were reviewed and assessed against the Code

RESULTS:
Findings show that while some alignment with the Code exists in Indonesian policy, enforcement is minimal and poorly institutionalised. Midwives’ associations lack independence due to financial and structural ties with BMS industries. Conflict of interest provisions are either weak, inconsistently implemented, or absent. This lack of regulatory rigour contributes to internal fragmentation, diminished credibility, and weakened organisational systems within the profession. The absence of clear conflict-of-interest safeguards has also fueled mistrust and divisions among midwives at various levels of leadership and practice.

CONCLUSIONS:
Institutional independence and strong conflict-of-interest policies are critical to restoring trust, cohesion, and credibility in midwifery leadership and advancing breastfeeding advocacy.

KEY MESSAGE:
Strengthening midwifery associations in Indonesia requires full alignment with the International Code, particularly in ensuring independence and regulating conflicts of interest. Policy reforms must institutionalize accountability, sever commercial ties, and foster ethical unity to protect breastfeeding and rebuild professional integrity. Marginalized - indigenous