Percentage of Indonesian Households Practicing Open Defecation Decreased in 2025

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) stated that one of the main challenges in achieving a healthy environment is eliminating the practice of open defecation (BABS).

This is because the practice not only negatively impacts environmental quality but also becomes a primary source for the spread of waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea, cholera, and other gastrointestinal infections.

In Indonesia, BPS recorded that there are still households practicing open defecation. For instance, in March 2025, the percentage of households still engaging in open defecation was 2.35%.

However, this percentage decreased compared to March 2023 and March 2024, which were 4.20% and 3.20% respectively.

According to BPS, the government has now designated open defecation as a priority issue that must be resolved within the national development agenda.

“Among others, through the implementation of the Community-Led Total Sanitation (STBM) program, which encourages behavioral change and community empowerment to prevent open defecation,” BPS explained in its SDGs Indicators for People's Welfare 2025.

Furthermore, BPS added, cross-sector initiatives such as the construction of communal public bathing, washing, and toilet facilities (MCK), provision of household toilet assistance, and educational interventions through health cadres are continuously being carried out to curb the practice of open defecation.

“The government's commitment is also reflected in the targets of the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029, which sets zero percent open defecation as part of the vision for a healthier and more dignified Indonesian human development,” BPS stated.