Haze Worsens: Banjarbaru Schools Adjust Start Time to 9 AM

Schools in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, are adjusting their start times to 9 a.m. as severe haze from forest and land fires blankets the city. The local education agency issued a circular mandating the later start for kindergartens, elementary, and junior high schools, effective August 20, 2026, until the haze subsides.

Abdul Basid, head of the Banjarbaru Education Agency, stated that educational units in areas with severe haze can begin classes at 9 a.m. Teachers and staff are still required to adhere to their regular working hours, arriving earlier to prepare. The agency will monitor the fire situation and haze levels to ensure smooth learning.

Banjarbaru has experienced thick haze, reducing visibility and impacting residents' respiratory health. Parents have been advised to ensure children wear masks outdoors and limit non-essential activities. One parent, Firman, noted his child has been wearing a mask for a week and has experienced coughing and shortness of breath, expressing hope for the fires and haze to clear soon.