Banjarbaru shifts schools to remote learning amid worsening haze

The city of Banjarbaru in South Kalimantan has officially moved all educational institutions to a remote learning system in response to the deteriorating air quality caused by forest and land fires. This decisive measure aims to safeguard students from the pervasive smoke.

According to a circular issued by the Head of the Banjarbaru City Education Office, students will learn from home for the week of August 24 to August 28, 2026. The city's mayor, Hj. Erna Lisa Halaby, confirmed the policy on her personal Instagram account, emphasizing the shift to distance learning due to the fires.

This suspension of in-person classes is a direct follow-up to a coordination meeting on handling forest and land fires. The air pollution levels were deemed severe enough to impact both public health and the continuity of educational activities. While students learn online, teachers and educational staff are still mandated to be present at their schools and perform their duties. Local authorities have offered some leniency regarding electronic attendance for educators, acknowledging the challenging conditions.

Despite the shift to remote learning, the daily schedule remains unchanged, with classes starting at 07:30 WITA. Schools are encouraged to use their creativity to manage the online teaching methods effectively. School principals and supervisors are tasked with closely monitoring the remote learning process to ensure its smooth operation. The city also urged all school community members to limit outdoor activities and wear masks diligently. The continuation of remote learning will be continuously evaluated based on air quality developments and the status of the disaster emergency until the August 28 deadline.

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Distance Learning Due to Forest and Land Fire Haze in Banjarbaru City Educational Institutions 2026