Understanding river culture to approach health promotion in river management in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Cultural customs play an important role in maintaining the well-being of the environment and natural resources. These cultural concepts influence thought processes and have a significant impact on decision-making, particularly in protecting the river. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the connection between local culture, specifically values, ways of life, and beliefs, and the promotion of a healthy river environment among residents living along the river in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan Indonesia. A mixed-method approach was employed to investigate the cultural aspects, including values, ways of life, and beliefs, and the advocacy for a sustainable river environment among the inhabitants residing along the river in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The quantitative design evaluated the descriptive statistics in terms of the sociodemographics of participants. Data collection was carried out using in-depth interviews, observation, and questionnaires. Subsequently, triangulation was performed to ensure trustworthiness. All statements relevant to the phenomenon were identified before the theme was clustered. The results showed that the river culture consists of two themes, namely values and ways of life, and beliefs. In conclusion, it was expected that understanding the culture of the river could be a strategy for conducting health promotion in river management.