Banjar Regency Government to Implement Distance Learning to Protect Students from Haze

The Banjar Regency Government in South Kalimantan is preparing distance learning as an anticipatory measure to protect students from exposure to haze caused by forest and land fires. The move follows increasing haze in several areas of Banjar Regency, prompting the local government to focus on air quality, particularly regarding the safety of students and teaching staff in educational institutions.

Head of the Banjar Regency Education Office, Liana Penny, said her office has coordinated with all schools to monitor air conditions and prepare learning adjustments based on the situation in each area. “The safety and health of students is the main concern. We continue to monitor school conditions and prepare alternative measures should the haze situation worsen,” Liana Penny said in Martapura, Banjar Regency, on Saturday.

According to her, schools have been asked to pay attention to students’ health during the learning process and to make immediate adjustments if the haze becomes thicker and potentially harmful to health. Distance learning has been prepared as an alternative so that the education process does not stop when air quality makes face-to-face learning impossible. Under this scheme, students can continue learning without having to leave their homes.

Liana explained that the implementation of distance learning will not be uniform, but will take into account regional conditions and the development of the haze. Schools are given room to adjust learning patterns while following the local government’s directives. “Learning must continue, but children’s health must be the priority. Therefore, we are preparing various options so that education can continue safely,” she said.

The Banjar Regency Education Office has also asked schools to strengthen communication with parents and promptly report any obstacles arising from the haze, especially if students experience health problems or learning activities are disrupted. In addition to the education sector, the Banjar Regency Government continues to coordinate with relevant agencies to handle forest and land fires and monitor air quality developments.

The public has also been urged to reduce outdoor activities when the haze worsens, wear masks, and increase awareness of its impacts, particularly on children and vulnerable groups.