Indonesian forest fires and haze impact

Forest and land fires in Indonesia have led to significant haze, prompting regional authorities to implement measures to protect public health, particularly for students.

In Jambi, the provincial government considered closing schools and mandating mask usage as air quality reached unhealthy thresholds. The Regional Disaster Management Agency reported that over 300 hectares of land had burned, including 50 hectares of peatland in Muaro Jambi Regency. To combat the fires, the National Disaster Management Agency prepared aircraft for weather modification operations.

In Banjarbaru, the Education Office responded to thick haze by adjusting school schedules. New regulations allowed for later class start times and modified dismissal times for various educational levels, ranging from early childhood education to junior high school. Schools were also advised to move outdoor activities indoors and postpone outdoor events, such as independence day celebrations, due to smoke density.