7–11 Jul 2025
Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul
Europe/Brussels timezone

Access to Sanitation in Informal Settlements of Jakarta

Not scheduled
20m
Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul

Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul

Oral Track 07 | INCLUSION

Speaker

Dr Vita Elysia (Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia)

Description

The research investigates the accessibility of sanitation facilities in slum areas, specifically focusing on Kampung Muka in North Jakarta. The study is motivated by the recognition that adequate sanitation is a fundamental human right and essential for public health, as emphasized by the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Despite global attention to sanitation issues, a significant portion of the population remains without access to proper facilities, leading to severe health consequences, particularly among children. This study employs a qualitative approach to explore the disparities in sanitation access among low-income urban communities. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and direct observations, involving residents of Kampung Muka, which represents a typical slum environment in Jakarta. The findings reveal that while there has been an increase in households with private toilets, a substantial number of families still lack access to basic sanitation. The research identifies two main issues contributing to this situation: a focus on physical infrastructure without addressing social dimensions and inadequate measurement criteria for sanitation access. The results indicate that many residents rely on on-site sanitation systems, such as septic tanks, which are often poorly constructed and maintained. The study highlights the importance of not only providing physical facilities but also understanding the socio-economic factors that influence sanitation practices. It concludes that improving sanitation access requires a comprehensive approach that includes education on hygiene practices and community engagement to address the underlying social barriers faced by marginalized populations. In summary, this research underscores the necessity of recognizing sanitation as a complex issue intertwined with social justice and public health, advocating for inclusive policies that ensure equitable access to sanitation for all residents in urban slums.

References

Banerjee, G. (2011). Underground pollution travel from leach pits of on-site sanitation facilities: A case study. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 13(3), 489–497. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-010-0331-3
Komarulzaman, A., Smits, J., & de Jong, E. (2017). Clean water, sanitation and diarrhoea in Indonesia: Effects of household and community factors. Global Public Health, 12(9), 1141–1155. https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2015.1127985
Langford, M., Bartram, J., & Roaf, V. (2014). The human right to sanitation. In The Human Right to Water: Theory, Practice and Prospects. https://doi.org/10.1017/9780511862601.012
Mcgranahan, G. (2015). Realizing the Right to Sanitation in Deprived Urban Communities: Meeting the Challenges of Collective Action, Coproduction, Affordability, and Housing Tenure. World Development, 68, 242–253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.12.008
Medland, L. S., Scott, R. E., & Cotton, A. P. (2016). Achieving sustainable sanitation chains through better informed and more systematic improvements: lessons from multi-city research in Sub-Saharan Africa. Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology, 3.
Peters, A. A. (2015). Environmental Justice-a Three Dimensional Parts. International Journal of Scientific Research and Innovative Technology, 2(5), 2313–3759.
Putri, P. W., & Rahmanti, A. S. (2010). Jakarta Waterscape : From Structuring Water to 21 st Century Hybrid Nature? Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning, 6(Dynamic City: Land, water and culture), 59–74.

Keywords access, sanitation, informal settlement, Jakarta
Best Congress Paper Award Yes

Primary author

Dr Vita Elysia (Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia)

Co-author

Mrs Meyriana Kesuma (Tarumanagara University, Indonesia)

Presentation materials

There are no materials yet.