Kalimantan schools shift to remote learning due to forest fire haze

Severe haze caused by forest and land fires (karhutla) in Indonesia has forced educational institutions in North and Central Kalimantan to implement remote learning to protect students and staff from health risks.

In North Kalimantan, the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs has transitioned Raudhatul Athfal, madrasahs, and pesantren to home-based learning. Officials stated that while education must continue, the safety and health of students, teachers, and caregivers remain the top priority.

In Central Kalimantan, the Provincial Education Office has mandated distance learning for high schools, vocational schools, and special education centers. The implementation is being adjusted based on the Air Pollution Index (ISPU) in specific districts; areas with red or black air quality zones are required to conduct full remote learning, while green zones may continue in-person classes. The policy is subject to evaluation every three days based on changing air quality conditions.