Jakarta, Jan. 13 -- A nutritionist at Indonesia's top referral hospital says children's protein and calcium needs can be met through diverse local foods, reducing dependence on cow's milk while supporting balanced growth and development.

"Indonesia's local food sources are rich enough to meet children's protein and calcium needs without relying on cow's milk," said Mita Arini, a clinical nutritionist at Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital.

Speaking to ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday, she said foods such as tempeh, tofu, chicken eggs, chicken meat, legumes and fish including mackerel, catfish and anchovies are strong protein alternatives.

These foods also provide calcium, vitamins and other essential micronutrients needed to support healt...