started · updated
Pekanbaru air quality reaches dangerous levels due to haze
Severe haze caused by forest and land fires in Indonesia has led to dangerous air quality levels across Sumatra, specifically in Pekanbaru, Riau. BMKG reported PM2.5 concentrations reaching as high as 508.8 µg/m³, placing the air in the dangerous category and reducing visibility to approximately 2 kilometers.
In response, the Pekanbaru City Government has implemented remote learning (PJJ) for preschool, elementary, and junior high school students, an arrangement extended through August 28, 2026. Similarly, the Jambi Provincial Government has suspended in-person classes for preschool and kindergarten students in Jambi City to protect children from exposure.
The environmental crisis is also impacting neighboring Malaysia. The Malaysian Ministry of Health reported a significant spike in respiratory issues, including a 259 percent increase in asthma cases and a 124 percent rise in upper respiratory tract infections (ISPA) due to the transboundary haze.
Despite the thick smoke, authorities at Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport in Pekanbaru have maintained that flight operations remain normal as visibility remains within safe operational limits.
Entities
BMKG · Indonesia · Jambi · Malaysia · Ministry of Health Malaysia · Pekanbaru · Pekanbaru City Government · Pekanbaru Education Office · Riau · Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Malaysia reported a 259 percent surge in asthma cases and a 124 percent increase in respiratory infections due to haze. www.rri.co.id
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Jambi Provincial Government suspended in-person learning for preschool and kindergarten students in Jambi City. ulasan.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport in Pekanbaru continues normal flight operations despite reduced visibility. www.viva.co.id
- [● 3 SOURCES] PM2.5 concentrations in Pekanbaru reached 508.8 µg/m³ on Tuesday morning. www.jawapos.com · www.antaranews.com · mediaindonesia.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Pekanbaru has extended online learning for preschool through junior high school students until August 28, 2026. bahanamahasiswa.co · disway.id · en.tempo.co · www.jpnn.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] There were 2,193 hot spots detected across Sumatra on Monday, August 24, 2026. www.jawapos.com · www.antaranews.com