Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung kicked off the groundbreaking ceremony for a communal septic tank integrated with appropriate biogas technology and household-scale septic tanks at Rusunami Bidara Cina, East Jakarta, on Monday (7/28)

This program is one of the Jakarta Provincial Government's efforts to address the open defecation (BABS) issue, especially in densely populated areas.

Pramono stated that although the open defecation rate in Jakarta is relatively lower compared to other regions, the issue still remains a concern for the city government.

"Open defecation is still a problem that receives attention from the Jakarta Government," he asserted.

The construction of septic tanks in East Jakarta is done in cooperation with biogas experts. He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all parties involved in solving the open defecation issue, including through the use of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

"Thank you for those who are involved in this initiative and CSR participation. Because it is trully a fundamental issue concerning people's needs and what the community requires daily," he said.

Pramono hopes that through septic tank construction, it will also change community behaviour to maintain cleanliness and health by no longer practicing open defecation. Besides, he believes that Jakarta will gradually improve as people change their habits toward better sanitation.

"This program receives full support from the Jakarta Provincial Government and hopefully this approach will resolve open defecation issues in various locations," he emphasized.

The city government is also committed to providing comfortable sanitation facilities for the community. Therefore, Pramono will request all mayors to report and address open defecation issues, especially in densely populated areas.

Meanwhile, East Jakarta Mayor Munjirin conveyed that the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of integrated communal septic tank with appropriate biogas technology and household-scale septic tanks is also carried out in other locations, namely Rawa Bunga, Rambutan, Pekayon, Pinang Ranti, Cipinang Melayu, Penggilingan, Kayu Manis, Cipinang, and Klender Urban Villages.

"There are 10 locations in total which benefit 921 households, with a total of 2,936 people. Some use biogas technology, while others have communal septic tanks but for individual use. These are also supported by CSR funds," he informed.

The construction of communal septic tanks is funded through community contributions, CSR funds, and government support. Munjirin acknowledged that many residents in densely populated areas still practice open defecation. Therefore, his side will address this issue gradually.

"East Jakarta still has quite a lot of cases, so we are addressing it gradually from now on," he asserted.