Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education: Mask Purchases Permitted Using BOS Funds in Forest Fire Areas

The Ministry of Primary and Discretionary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has issued regulations regarding the procedures for providing educational services in areas affected by smoke from forest and land fires (Karhutla).

These provisions are contained in the Circular Letter (SE) of the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Number 20 of 2026 concerning the Implementation of Educational Services in Educational Units in Areas Affected by Smoke from Forest and Land Fires, published on Friday (28/8).

In this circular, the government has, among other things, given the green light to school principals to allocate School Operational Assistance Funds (BOSP) to purchase equipment related to forest fire mitigation.

“School Operational Assistance Funds can be used, among other things, for the procurement of masks, air purifiers and fans, ventilation covering materials, the duplication of offline learning modules, and support for distance learning,” the circular stated on Sunday (30/8).

The circular also regulates learning modes and educational service protocols based on the daily Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU).

Air quality is to be monitored at least twice a day, specifically before learning activities begin and at midday.

For an ISPU of 1-50, or the ‘good’ category, full face-to-face learning will continue.

For an ISPU of 51-100, or the ‘moderate’ category, face-to-face learning remains, but outdoor activities such as ceremonies, sports, and extracurriculars are to be limited or moved indoors.

When the ISPU reaches 101-200, or the ‘unhealthy’ category, face-to-face learning will be conducted on a limited basis. Distance learning (PJJ) will be implemented for vulnerable groups, including early childhood education (PAUD) students, primary school students in grades 1 to 3, special needs students (SLB), and students with underlying health conditions.

Meanwhile, at an ISPU of 200-300, or the ‘very unhealthy’ category, schools are required to temporarily suspend face-to-face learning and switch to distance learning. This can be conducted either online or offline depending on the conditions.

For an ISPU category above 300, or the ‘hazardous’ category, distance learning will be implemented. Furthermore, all gatherings in educational units must be halted, with priority given to evacuation and health protection.