Pekanbaru air quality improves amid ongoing Riau forest fire response

Air quality in Pekanbaru, Riau, has shown significant improvement as of Monday, August 31, 2026. Following recent impacts from forest and land fires (karhutla), the US AQI in Pekanbaru reached 39, placing it in the ‘Good’ category. Recent rainfall has helped reduce pollutant concentrations and thin the haze, with visibility in the city exceeding 9 kilometers.

Despite the improved air quality, authorities remain on high alert. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and the Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) continue intensive firefighting and monitoring operations. BNPB reported that ground task forces have extinguished approximately 126.65 hectares of fire, while aerial task forces using helicopters have covered about 8.8 hectares through water bombing operations.

While the air quality allows for normal activities and in-person learning to resume, officials noted that 264 hotspots were still recorded across 11 regencies and cities in Riau by the BMKG. Authorities are maintaining patrols and cooling operations to prevent any resurgence of fires.