Tanjung, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Residents of Binjai Village, Muara Uya Subdistrict, Tabalong, work together to make healthy toilet. (Antaranews Kalsel/special)
Tanjung - The Tabalong Government is committed to being a district that is free of open defecation (ODF) by involving the participation of the community to be able to live healthier lives.
The Adaro Bangun Negeri Foundation (YABN) is also actively involved in realizing ODF 100 percent in 2019 on the 'Bumi Saraba Kawa' (Tabalong) through the Community Based Total Sanitation program.
"In addition to motivating citizens to behave in a healthy manner, YABN facilitates them in making healthy toilets," explained YABN's Health Coordinator Haris Fadillah.
One of them is facilitating the making of healthy water closet or toilets in Binjai Village, Muara Uya Sub-district, which are carried out in mutual cooperation with the residents.
Haris said that the active role of the community in realizing ODF village is very important.
Read also: Tabalong declares ODF
YABN implemented the program since 2013 and 54 of its assisted villages in Tabalong, Balangan and East Barito districts succeeded in ODF and 1.3418 families abandoned open defecation.
Including 26 villages assisted by YABN in Tabalong District, they have declared themselves free of defecation in 2018 and can motivate other villages to implement ODF programs.
"We are targeting Tabalong to become the first ODF district in South Kalimantan in 2019," said Director of the Adaro Bangun Negeri Foundation, Okty Damayanti.
Read also: Rabaniah successfully realizes ODF village
The head of the Tabalong Health Office Taufiqurrahman Hamdie said this target could be achieved if there was an increase in awareness from the community not to carry out open defecation.
"Counseling and socializing the importance of defecation in a toilet is one of our efforts to raise awareness of citizens," explained Taufik.
