Natuna Regency Implements Home-Based Learning in Serasan Island to Prevent Respiratory Infections

The Natuna Regency Government, Riau Islands Province, has implemented Home-Based Learning (BDR) for students in several schools on Serasan Island as an anticipatory measure to prevent Acute Respiratory Infections (ISPA).

Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan stated in Natuna on Sunday that the policy was taken following the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Serasan and East Serasan districts falling into the unhealthy category due to haze. He suspects the haze enveloping Serasan Island originates from forest and land fires (karhutla) in Kalimantan, given the proximity of the two regions. Home-based learning has been applied to early childhood education (PAUD), primary schools (SD), and junior high schools (SMP) from Monday (31/8) until Saturday (5/9).

“For the time being, children will learn from home as an anticipatory step because the air conditions in Serasan are poor,” he said.

Cen mentioned that poor air quality is not only occurring on Serasan Island but is also being felt in several other areas of Natuna. However, the home-based learning policy has only been implemented in Serasan Island after considering several factors, including the fact that more than 30 residents have already been affected by respiratory infections.

In addition to issuing the home-based learning policy, the Natuna Regency Government is also distributing masks in both Serasan Island and other regions as an educational and socialisation measure regarding the dangers of forest fire impacts. To date, over 10,000 masks have been distributed.

“We urge residents to reduce outdoor activities. However, if they must engage in outdoor activities, we remind them to continue wearing masks,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Natuna Regency Education and Culture Office, Nasria, stated that they have disseminated this information to the community and have requested educational institutions to arrange home-based learning schemes for students so that the educational process continues while air conditions have not yet improved.

According to her, the extension of the home-based learning period will be adjusted based on the developments and reports of the Air Quality Index in the affected areas.

“Teachers and educational staff will still report to school; this policy applies only to students,” she said.