Fuel shortages prompt shift to online learning for schools in Makassar
The Makassar City Government has implemented online learning for students ranging from preschool to junior high school, effective from 12 September 2026, to reduce public mobility amidst ongoing fuel shortages.
Speaking in Makassar on Friday, the Mayor of Makassar, Munafri Arifuddin, stated that this policy serves as a temporary measure to respond to the queues currently occurring at several petrol stations (SPBU) across Makassar.
“I have instructed the Head of the Education Office to issue a circular so that students from preschool to junior high school will attend school online, starting Saturday (12/9),” said Munafri.
He noted that the decision was made after the Makassar City Government received various public aspirations, particularly from parents who have been affected by the fuel queues.
“Through this policy, teaching and learning activities will continue without requiring students to travel from home to school, thereby allowing us to reduce vehicle mobility during school hours,” he explained.
Munafri expressed hope that this adjustment could reduce daily fuel consumption and alleviate vehicle congestion around several petrol stations.
“We are doing this as a tactical step to respond to the fuel queue situation. We want public activities to continue, but on the other hand, we can temporarily suppress mobility that is not urgent,” he said.
Munafri added that the implementation of online schooling is expected to reduce vehicle movement, especially during rush hours, without disrupting essential and urgent public services.
“The circular will be effective from 12 September 2026 for the next few days, with evaluations to be conducted based on the development of the queue conditions and fuel supply,” he noted.
He emphasised that the policy is temporary while waiting for fuel distribution and availability to return to normal.
By reducing the mobility of students and certain public activities, the government hopes to curb fuel consumption and reduce vehicle buildup at petrol stations.
“This is an effort by the Makassar City Government to respond directly to the conditions experienced by the community,” said Munafri.