Kalimantan forest fires prompt calls for distance learning

As forest and land fires cause heavy haze across Kalimantan, Indonesian officials and academics are advocating for the implementation of distance learning (PJJ) to protect the health of students and teachers.

Lalu Hadrian Irfani, Vice Chairman of Commission X of the DPR RI, has urged provincial governments in South, East, Central, and West Kalimantan to adopt remote learning mechanisms. He emphasized that the priority must be the health of students and educators amidst deteriorating air quality, while ensuring that the educational process does not come to a complete halt.

Supporting this view, Dr. Rita Rahmaniati from the University of Muhammadiyah Palangka Raya (UMPR) noted that distance learning is a more appropriate alternative than simply closing schools. She argued that forcing in-person attendance during dangerous air quality levels could lead to respiratory issues and decreased learning quality due to health complications. However, she noted that challenges such as internet connectivity and device availability remain significant hurdles for remote education.