Gunung Mas Regency reduces school hours due to haze
The Gunung Mas Regency Government in Central Kalimantan has reduced teaching hours for early childhood education (PAUD), primary schools (SD), and junior secondary schools (SMP) following air quality disruption caused by haze in the region.
Gunung Mas Regional Secretary Richard, contacted from Kuala Kurun on Saturday, said the policy was adopted to protect students’ health during the teaching and learning process.
“Face-to-face hours have been cut, from 30 minutes to 20 minutes per lesson for PAUD, from 35 minutes to 25 minutes for primary schools, and from 40 minutes to 30 minutes for junior secondary schools,” he said.
In addition, school start times have been pushed back from 07.00 WIB to 08.00 WIB, and outdoor flag ceremonies have been suspended. The policy took effect on 28 August 2026, and teaching and learning will return to normal once air quality improves.
School principals are also required to urge students to wear masks during activities both inside and outside the classroom, reduce outdoor activities, and prohibit the burning of rubbish within school grounds.
Furthermore, each principal has been asked to report regularly on the development of haze conditions to the Gunung Mas Education, Youth, and Sports Office through the Primary and Junior Secondary Education Development Division.
Previously, the Gunung Mas Regency Government strengthened preparedness and cross-sector synergy in facing the threat of forest and land fires during the dry season, involving various relevant elements in an integrated and sustainable manner.
Gunung Mas Regent Jaya S Monong previously said the measures included strengthening infrastructure, personnel, inter-agency coordination, and the capacity of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD).
He said the regional government is committed to strengthening integrated prevention and handling of forest and land fires by involving various parties, from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), BPBD, relevant agencies, businesses, volunteers, to local communities.
The Gunung Mas Regency Government has declared Alert Status II from 1 August to 31 October 2026 to enhance preparedness, while activating forest and land fire alert posts in four sub-districts: Kurun, Tewah, Sepang, and Rungan.
Prevention efforts continue to be strengthened through hotspot monitoring, patrols, and public awareness campaigns, accompanied by capacity building for BPBD through budget support and attention to the availability of water sources and clean water needs for residents.
The regional government rejects deliberate forest and land burning and supports law enforcement, while strengthening the Integrated Team together with the Forest Management Unit (KPHP), Manggala Agni, and the Fire Department to minimise the impact of forest and land fires on the community.