Air Quality Remains Unhealthy, Padang Panjang City Government Extends Remote Learning by Two Days
The Padang Panjang City Government has once again extended the policy of adjusting learning activities to Distance Learning (PJJ). This decision was made following the air quality conditions in the region, which remain in the unhealthy category due to environmental impacts.
This extension of distance learning is in effect for two days, specifically from Thursday to Friday, 17–18 September 2026. The step was taken as a rapid anticipatory measure to protect the health of students, educators, and educational staff from potential respiratory health disturbances.
Based on official reports from the results of tests by the Environmental Laboratory UPTD of the Department of Housing, Settlements, and Environment of Padang Panjang City as of 16 September 2026, the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) was recorded at 163.943. This figure clearly falls into the unhealthy category and is assessed to have the potential to increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as school-aged children.
The Mayor of Padang Panjang, Hendri Arnis, explained that this adjustment to the learning model is a joint preventive measure to ensure the safety of students while air conditions have not yet returned to normal and safe. He expressed hope that the air quality in his region could improve promptly so that face-to-face teaching and learning activities could return to normal.
“Our hope is that the air condition improves immediately so that learning activities can return to normal. For the time being, let us work together to protect the health of our children, limit outdoor activities, and follow the established directives,” said Mayor Hendri Arnis on Thursday (17/9).
Furthermore, Mayor Hendri also urged parents to actively accompany their children during the home learning process. Parents are also requested to ensure that their children do not engage in outdoor physical activities while air quality remains poor.
As an additional protective measure, the Padang Panjang City Government issued an appeal for the general public to reduce outdoor activities, remain disciplined in wearing masks when forced to leave the house, and routinely monitor the health of their families. Members of the public who begin to experience health complaints due to exposure to poor air quality are also instructed to immediately visit the nearest health service facilities to receive prompt and appropriate medical treatment.