Tabalong declares ODF

Representatives of 26 villages in Tabalong read out the declaration of Open Defecation Free (ODF). (Antaranews Kalsel/Herlina Lasmianti)

From now onwards I will not defecate carelessly and will not let other people do it in our area,

Tanjung, S Kalimantan (Antaranews Kalsel) - A total of 26 villages in Tabalong Regency reciting the declaration they will not carry out open defecation and will protect the environment.

"From now onwards I will not defecate carelessly and will not let other people do it in our area," said dozens of representatives of the villages.

The Open Defecation Free (ODF) Declaration which was organized by the Adaro Bangun Negeri Foundation (YABN) became a step towards open defecation free districts.

There are three points stated in the declaration, among others, the OD's behavior as carelessly, a disgraceful act that can harm themselves and others.

The head of Tabalong District Health Agency Taufiqurrahman Hamdi conveyed this year's target of 45 villages in Tabalong to be ODF.

"The regional government together with YABN is committed to creating a free defecation district in 2019," Taufiqurrahman explained.

YABN Director Okty Damayanti admitted changing people's behavior not to defecation openly was not easy. "A long journey for YABN to realize healthy behavior and currently 54 assisted villages are free of open defecation," she pointed out.