Juridical Analysis of the Implementation of the Floating Toilet Eradication Program in Martapura River: Case Study of the South Kalimantan Provincial Government

Abstract

This research evaluates the efforts of the South Kalimantan Provincial Government in eliminating floating latrines in the Martapura River. A normative approach is employed, examining laws, government regulations, and local policies underpinning the floating latrine eradication program, as well as analyzing its implementation and impact on the environment. The prevalent use of floating latrines by the community has led to river water pollution and exacerbated sanitation conditions along riverbank settlements. The innovative "Gebrak’s" program initiated by the Banjar Regency since 2016 aims to improve sanitation and public health by eliminating floating latrines. However, until 2023, although the program successfully removed over a thousand floating latrines, paradoxically, some residents in the area have reconstructed them. This has resulted in approximately 8,000 floating latrines still existing in South Kalimantan, posing a significant challenge to achieving Healthy City status and Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by 2025. Hence, collaboration between the government, the community, and relevant government agencies is crucial to improving environmental quality and public health in riverbank areas.