Sanimas Encourages the Community to Live Clean and Healthy
The handover of Community-Based Sanitation (Sanimas) aid in Batujai, Ungga, and Tanak Awuk villages, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, serves as evidence that development does not solely focus on large infrastructure but also targets the basic needs of the community, namely access to decent sanitation.
Deputy Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives Coordinating the Economy and Finance Sector, Sari Yuliati, emphasised that the Sanimas programme, funded through the state budget (APBN), is a tangible manifestation of the state’s presence in improving the quality of life of the community, particularly in areas with limited sanitation access.
“Sanitation is not merely about cleanliness, but it concerns health, productivity, and the future of our generations. Without decent sanitation, the risk of disease increases and the economic burden on the community also rises,” she stated during the aid handover event on Sunday, 3 May 2026.
She highlighted the ongoing classic issues in various regions, such as the scarcity of sanitation facilities and low awareness of the importance of clean and healthy living behaviours. Therefore, the Sanimas programme should not be viewed as an ordinary project, but as a strategic intervention to break the chain of health and poverty problems.
Furthermore, she reminded that the use of APBN funds must be closely monitored to ensure they are on target and do not stop at physical construction alone. According to her, the success of the programme greatly depends on the active involvement of the community in managing and maintaining the built facilities.
“Do not let facilities be built with state funds but not utilised or maintained. This is a shared responsibility, not just the government’s,” stressed the legislator from the West Nusa Tenggara II electoral district.
She also encouraged local governments and community groups to ensure the programme’s sustainability through education and strengthening collective awareness. With good sanitation, it is hoped that the incidence of environment-based diseases can be reduced, allowing the community to live healthier and more productive lives.
This Sanimas aid handover serves as a reminder that the effectiveness of the APBN is not only measured by the amount of funds disbursed, but by the real impact in improving the quality of life of the community, starting from the most basic aspect, namely decent sanitation for all.