<![CDATA[This article examines the practice of open defecation with a focus on the role of cultural factors in influencing public awareness to address it, particularly in Indonesia. Open defecation remains a global health issue affecting around 2 billion people, with negative impacts on health, the environment, and the economy. Culture, as a shaper of social norms, gender stigma, and mythological beliefs, often becomes a major barrier to changes in sanitation behavior. Through literature analysis and case studies, this article explains how traditional norms, such as the view of soil as a "natural cleanser," as well as women's privacy stigma, reduce awareness of health risks such as the spread of diarrhea and cholera. Examples from Indonesia, such as in East Lombok and Papua, show that failed campaigns are often due to a lack of cultural integration, while successful approaches involve local customary leaders and art. The proposed strategy includes culture-based education, community participation, and social media campaigns, which could reduce open defecation practices by up to 50% over a few years. However, challenges such as cultural resistance, limited funding, and the impact of the pandemic remain. The conclusion emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that considers cultural aspects to achieve SDG 6 targets on adequate sanitation, ensuring long-term public health. Keywords: open defecation, cultural factors, public awareness, sanitation. Abstrak Artikel ini mengkaji praktik buang air besar sembarangan (open defecation) dengan fokus pada peran faktor budaya dalam memengaruhi kesadaran masyarakat untuk mengatasinya, khususnya di Indonesia. Open defecation masih menjadi masalah kesehatan global yang memengaruhi sekitar 2 miliar orang, dengan dampak negatif pada kesehatan, lingkungan, dan ekonomi. Budaya, sebagai pembentuk norma sosial, stigma gender, dan keyakinan mitologis, sering kali menjadi penghalang utama perubahan perilaku sanitasi. Melalui analisis literatur dan studi kasus, artikel ini menjelaskan bagaimana norma tradisional, seperti pandangan bahwa tanah sebagai "pembersih alami", serta stigma privasi wanita, menurunkan kesadaran risiko kesehatan seperti penyebaran diare dan kolera. Contoh dari Indonesia, seperti di Lombok Timur dan Papua, menunjukkan bahwa kampanye yang gagal sering karena kurangnya integrasi budaya, sementara pendekatan sukses melibatkan tokoh adat dan seni lokal. Strategi yang diusulkan meliputi pendidikan berbasis budaya, partisipasi komunitas, dan kampanye media sosial, yang dapat mengurangi praktik open defecation hingga 50% dalam beberapa tahun. Namun, tantangan seperti resistensi budaya, keterbatasan dana, dan dampak pandemi tetap ada. Kesimpulan menekankan perlunya pendekatan holistik yang mempertimbangkan budaya untuk mencapai target SDG 6 tentang sanitasi layak, memastikan kesehatan masyarakat jangka panjang. Kata kunci: open defecation, faktor budaya, kesadaran masyarakat, sanitasi.]]>
