Pekanbaru manages haze health crisis and announces scholarship funding

The Pekanbaru city government is addressing several regional issues, ranging from public health emergencies to educational funding and economic development.

In response to severe haze caused by forest and land fires, Mayor Agung Nugroho has placed 21 community health centers (Puskesmas) on 24-hour standby. These facilities are serving as primary posts for residents suffering from Acute Respiratory Infection (ISPA), with supplies of masks, vitamins, and medical equipment prepared to handle the impact.

Regarding education, the city has allocated Rp10 billion for its 2027 scholarship program. The funding will support students across various levels, from Diploma to Doctoral degrees, including categories for high achievers, underprivileged students, and Quran memorizers. The selection process will be updated to include university accreditation alongside GPA as a ranking factor.

On the economic front, Deputy Mayor Markarius Anwar is encouraging university students to pursue entrepreneurship rather than solely seeking employment. Speaking at a national seminar hosted by IBT Pelita Indonesia, he emphasized that digital technology allows young people to start small-scale businesses with minimal capital.