The promotion of handwashing with soap behavior in Indonesia started since 1980s, whilst Indonesians are yet to apply this habit in daily life. Scientifically, this habit is proven to be effectively preventing the spread of diarrhea, Bird Flu and Acute Respiratory Infection. With the intention to call for improved hygiene practices all over the world, the UN General Assembly has designated 2008 the International Year of Sanitation, and Global Handwashing Day is one of activities to reinforce the call.

Handwashing with soap is among the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, which together are responsible for the majority of child deaths. Every year, more than 160,000 children do not live to celebrate their fifth birthday because of diarrhea and pneumonia in Indonesia. There is a need to continue advocacy decision makers as well as mothers and household members to increase practice of this habit.

The Global Handwashing Day or in Bahasa Indonesia it is called Hari Cuci Tangan Pakai Sabun is implemented within the mechanism of Public-Private Partnership. The Ministry of Health, Bappenas, USAID, Unicef, Unilever and Reckitt Benckiser are joining forces to celebrate the first ever handwashing day. Other relevant water and sanitation programs utilize this moment to attract public attention to better healthy seeking behavior thru handwashing with soap. International and national Non Governmental Organizations such as Mercy Corps, Care, Muhammadiyah are to name a few. It is accounted for more than a million children and mothers will wash hands together on October 15 in the entire country. The national event will be conducted in Jakarta inaugurated by the Minister of Health and attended by ambassadors in Indonesia of 50 countries participating in the global Handwashing Day around the world, development agencies, NGOs and private sector.