Dense Forest Fire Smoke Forces Pontianak Schools to Remain Online Next Week

The Pontian_ak City Government continues to implement online schooling for the next week due to the impact of thick haze from forest and land fires (karhutla) in West Kalimantan.

“Learning activities within the school environment are still suspended, and students are currently learning online until the weather improves, as the haze remains dense,” said the Mayor of Pontianak, Edi Rusdi Kamtono, quoting Antara on Sunday (30/8).

The policy of online learning for Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior High School levels is being implemented to anticipate the surge in Acute Respiratory Infection (ISPA) cases, which are increasing daily.

“We are seeing 300 ISPA cases in Pontianak per day, so we do not want that number to continue to grow,” Edi stated.

Although several activities have been suspended, he ensured that Pontianak City Government services continue to operate.

“We will certainly provide services at the City Government office. However, we are in our offices, and for those who are unwell, we implement working from home (WFH),” he added.

Edi emphasised that the Pontianak City Government has declared this a haze emergency situation and is preparing handling measures to protect the public.

“The public is also urged to limit outdoor activities while air quality has not improved, and to use masks if they must go outside,” he said.

Meanwhile, Diana Cristy Nainggolan, a primary school teacher in Pontianak, admitted that since schools have been closed for two weeks due to the forest fires, teaching and learning activities have become ineffective.

“Learning activities have become very limited and less effective. We hope that Pontianak and its surrounding areas receive even rainfall soon, and that the local government can strengthen forest fire management so that activities can return to normal,” she said.

One parent, Ridha, welcomed the extension of the policy as the current air quality remains dangerous due to the thick haze.

“Naturally, we are worried about this thick haze. Children should stay at home as long as the haze persists,” he said.

The policy to extend online schooling also applies to Senior High School levels, in accordance with a letter issued by the West Kalimantan Provincial Education Office addressed to the Heads of Public/Private SMA/SMK/SLB across West Kalimantan, dated 29 August 2026.

At the very least, as of August 2026, the process of online learning due to the haze has been ongoing for three weeks.