Dompu, March 18, 2025—PT Sumbawa Timur Mining (STM) is supporting safe sanitation in Dompu Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, through the construction of 601 household toilets for underprivileged communities. This initiative, which has been ongoing since 2018, is part of STM’s Village Participation Program (PPD) in the health sector, aligning with the Village Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMDes) in each program area.
According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), sanitation is the process of maintaining cleanliness in an area to prevent contamination from sources of disease. The 2022 Annual Report on Ending Open Defecation in Indonesia, published by the Ministry of Health, cites data from the World Health Organization (WHO) stating that unsafe sanitation is responsible for over 400.000 deaths worldwide each year.
Unsafe sanitation is a major cause of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. WHO estimates that 1 in 4 people worldwide are infected with STH. The parasite spreads through STH eggs found in the feces of infected individuals, contaminating the soil. Once inside the human body, these parasites can cause various health issues such as diarrhea, anemia, malnutrition, stunting, and other health problems.
Household toilets play a crucial role in promoting safe sanitation for communities. These facilities help prevent environmental contamination and the spread of diseases. However, the 2023 Dompu Regency Health Profile, published by the Dompu Regency Health Office, reveals that 6.938 households still rely on inadequate toilet facilities, accounting for 10.83% of all households in the region.
Sanitation issues have been a priority for STM, leading to the inclusion of household toilet construction as a key initiative in its PPD program. “Based on our social mapping, many residents in eight villages across Hu’u District lack toilets, forcing them to practice open defecation. We are working together with local village governments to address this issue,” said Vovia Witni, a member of STM’s Community Development team.
According to Witni, STM has built 601 household toilets and eight public bathing, washing, and toilet (MCK) facilities over the past seven years. This program is part of STM’s commitment to supporting the government’s goal of achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages. “Our household toilet program not only focuses on infrastructure development but also includes educational initiatives to raise awareness about hygiene and sanitation,” she added.
Jubaidah (61), a resident of Daha Village in Hu’u District, is one of the beneficiaries of the household toilet program in 2024. She lives with her 89-year-old mother, who has difficulty walking. Jubaidah expressed her deep gratitude for STM’s assistance, as the new toilet has eliminated the need to use the river for defecation.
“During the day, I used to carry my mother to the river when she needed to go to the bathroom. At night, it was even harder. I always hoped she wouldn’t need to go then. Now, thanks to STM, we have a proper toilet, and our water needs are supported by a neighbor with a bore well. We can now use the toilet anytime we need,” she said.
Siti Hajar (80), a resident of Karohe Hamlet in Adu Village, Hu’u District, also benefited from the construction of a household toilet in her home. Built in 2023, the toilet has made daily life much easier, especially after her husband, who used to assist her, passed away three years ago. “Now, we also have access to clean water, thanks to the pipeline system installed in 2024 with STM’s support. We can simply collect water as needed,” she explained.
The head of Rasabou Village in Hu’u District, Supriyadin, also welcomed the household toilet initiative. “Many Hu’u residents still don’t have toilets. Open spaces are often used as public restrooms, which not only pollutes the environment but also poses serious health risks. STM’s assistance in providing household toilets has been a great help,” he said. He hopes that more organizations will step forward to address this issue for the well-being of the community.
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About PT Sumbawa Timur Mining
PT Sumbawa Timur Mining (STM) is a joint venture between Eastern Star Resources Pty Ltd (80%), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vale Base Metals, and PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (20%). STM owns the Hu’u Project, a copper exploration project operating under the 7th Generation Mineral Contract of Work (CoW) in Hu’u District, Dompu Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia.
The CoW also holds geothermal resources. To explore this potential, the company has completed the Preliminary Survey and Geothermal Exploration Assignment. The CoW area spans 19,260 hectares across Dompu and Bima Regency. STM is continuing its journey to achieve its vision of becoming a world-class copper mining operation supported by renewable energy.
For further information, please contact STM Communications Team.
