Madrasahs and pesantren in North Kalimantan shift to home learning amid haze
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has implemented home-based learning for Raudhatul Athfal (RA), madrasahs and pesantren affected by haze in North Kalimantan (Kaltara) to protect students, teachers and education personnel from smoke caused by forest and land fires.
“In conditions like this, the most important thing is the safety of lives. Our children, teachers, education personnel, pesantren caregivers and all members of the education community must be protected from the impact of haze caused by forest and land fires,” said Head of the North Kalimantan Provincial Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Muh. Saleh in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.
The learning adjustment refers to Circular Letter of the Director General of Islamic Education Number 3 of 2026 concerning Adjustments to the Implementation of Learning at RA, Madrasahs, Pesantren and Islamic Religious Higher Education Institutions Affected by Forest and Land Fires.
Home-based learning is a temporary option for areas where air quality does not yet allow face-to-face learning to take place.
“Learning continues, but safety must not be compromised. We do not want children to have to come to school when air conditions are not yet conducive,” he said.
Muh Saleh asked district and city Ministry of Religious Affairs offices, education unit managers, teachers, education personnel and parents to coordinate to ensure that home-based learning runs in an orderly and flexible manner.
Education units are also asked not to burden students with excessive assignments during home-based learning. Learning materials and methods need to be adjusted to the conditions of each student, without neglecting learning outcomes.
“This does not mean education stops. This is our way of protecting children while ensuring they still receive their right to learn,” he said.
The North Kalimantan Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs asked every education unit to continue monitoring air quality developments and follow the directives of local governments and relevant agencies. Learning patterns can be adjusted again based on conditions in each region.
Muh Saleh hopes parents will also supervise their children to reduce outdoor activities while the haze remains thick.