Balikpapan Air Quality Deteriorates, Schools Shorten Lessons

Smoke from land and forest fires has affected air quality in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. According to the IQAir app, the city’s air quality index stood at 167, which is classified as unhealthy.

In response, the Balikpapan City Government is preparing precautionary measures for schools. The city’s Education and Culture Office has adjusted students’ learning hours.

“We agreed at a co-ordination meeting on the air quality conditions and adjustments to learning activities at educational institutions in Balikpapan,” said Irfan Taufik, head of the city’s Education and Culture Office, on Monday (12 October 2026).

School start times adjusted

Schools may also adjust or delay their start times in response to air quality conditions. Educational institutions are to conduct classes on a limited basis in accordance with applicable regulations.

“This includes shortening lesson times and adjusting or delaying school start times in line with air quality conditions and the applicable regulations,” Irfan said.

The policy follows a circular issued by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and monitoring of the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) by the Ministry of the Environment. On Monday (12 October 2026), the ministry’s ISPU readings placed Balikpapan’s air quality in a concerning category. The Sepinggan station recorded a PM2.5 index of 118, while Balikpapan Baru station recorded 116.

“Limited learning is being implemented in response to air quality conditions and in accordance with the applicable regulations,” he added.

127 land fires recorded in 2026

The Balikpapan Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has recorded 127 incidents so far this year.

“As of 9 am Central Indonesia Time on 12 October 2026, a total of 127 land fires had been recorded in Balikpapan during 2026,” said Usman Ali, head of the city’s BPBD, on Monday.

The fires mainly affected land covered with vegetation, burning an estimated 81 hectares in total.

“The estimated total area burned is 81 hectares, or the equivalent of 810,156 square metres. The fires affected land covered by tall grass and shrubs,” he said.

The number of incidents rose significantly in August and September 2026. There were 40 fires in August and 69 in September, followed by 11 recorded up to 12 October.

“Land fires began rising significantly from the middle of the year. At the start of the year, there were two incidents in January, one in February, one in June and three in July,” Usman said.

Locations of land and forest fires in Balikpapan

Balikpapan Timur District: 50 incidents

Balikpapan Selatan District: 31 incidents

Balikpapan Utara District: 28 incidents

Balikpapan Tengah District: 10 incidents

Balikpapan Barat District: 8 incidents