First Day of In-Person Learning: Mayor Agung Inspects Schools and Greets Students

Smiles and enthusiasm were once again visible on the faces of students in Pekanbrue City on Monday (31/8/2026). After having to study from home for some time due to haze, they have finally returned to their school desks to meet their teachers and classmates in person.

This atmosphere was shared by the Mayor of Pekanbaru, Agung Nugroho, who personally visited several schools to monitor the implementation of the first day of in-person learning (PTM). His presence was not merely to ensure that the teaching and learning process had resumed, but also to observe the condition of the students after a prolonged period of distance learning (PJJ).

One of the schools visited by Agung was SD Negeri 84 Pekanbaru. At this school, Agung took the opportunity to greet the students and observe learning activities within the classroom.

He expressed his joy at seeing students return to school. According to him, the atmosphere of direct learning provides a unique sense of happiness for children who previously could only participate in lessons from home.

“Alhamdulillah, I am happy to be able to greet the children. They have truly missed being able to attend school in person. They can now reunite with their teachers and friends,” said Agung.

For Agung, the return of students to school signals that the condition of Pekanbaru City is beginning to improve after public activities, including education, were impacted by haze resulting from forest and land fires (karhutla).

The decision to resume in-person learning was made after the government observed an improvement in air quality over recent days. Visibility in Pekanbaru has also returned to normal, allowing public activities to proceed more effectively.

“The haze has significantly decreased, and the sky is starting to appear blue,” he said.

According to Agung, this improvement aligns with the downgradting of the forest fire management status in Pekanbaru from emergency response to emergency alert. This condition is supported by increased rainfall, which has helped mitigate the impact of haze in several areas.

Amidst the return of students to the classroom, Agung did not forget the role of teachers who continued to ensure the educational process proceeded during the period of distance learning. He expressed his appreciation to the educators who continued to prepare lessons despite being unable to meet students face-to-face.

He also extended his gratitude to parents who had to take on a larger role in accompanying their children’s learning from home during the distance learning period.

“Thank you to the teachers who continued to prepare everything during distance learning, and also to the parents who have accompanied the children,” he said.

Before visiting SD Negeri 84 Pekanbaru, Agung first inspected the implementation of in-person learning at SMP Negeri 22 Pekanbaru. There, he ensured that teaching and learning activities were returning to normal while still prioritising the health and safety of the students.

This first day of in-person learning is a long-awaited moment not only for students but also for teachers and parents. After classrooms had to be temporarily abandoned due to unfavourable air conditions, educational activities are now revitalised.

The Pekanbaru City Government hopes that air and weather conditions will continue to improve so that teaching and learning activities can proceed optimally. Children are once again provided with the space to learn, play, socialise, and grow alongside their peers in the school environment.