Why Do Villagers Hesitate to Use The Toilet for Defecation?: An Ethnographic Study in Dayak Bakumpai People in South Borneo, Indonesia

Bakumpai Dayak people, residing along the fast-flowing Barito River, have long been engaged in the practice of defecating in the river. Despite the efforts of the government to combat open defecation, this behavior has remained persistent in the community. Therefore, this study aims to explore the causes of the non-use of toilets by Bakumpai Dayak people. This was an ethnographic study, and data were collected from 11 respondents using participant observations, as well as in-depth and group interviews. The observation revealed that the community already had knowledge about hygienic toilets, but could not stop the practice of open defecation. In the area, the floating latrines employed were of various types, which were tailored to suit the specific geographical conditions of the village. Bakumpai Dayak people had a high water demand to meet their defecation, bathing, and washing needs. Furthermore, the respondents believed that floating latrines had several advantages over conventional toilets, such as the central concept of invisible stool in defecation. Based on these findings, open defecation-free status could only be achieved by implementing sanitation interventions that considered the long-standing social culture and habits of the community.