Observing Immigration Services Amidst Thick Haze from Forest Fires Enveloping Riau

Forest and land fires (karhutla) continue to occur in several areas of Riau Province. The Riau Provincial Government, alongside the Forest Fire Task Force, is continuously conducting mitigation efforts and preparing for Weather Modification Operations (OMC) or artificial rain.

According to observations, the haze from the forest fires was extremely thick during a flight to Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Tuesday morning (15/09/2026). The haze was so dense that the land was not visible at all until the aircraft’s landing gear was deployed. It was only about a minute before landing that the Riau landscape could be seen through the aircraft windows, whereas typically, the land is visible much earlier during the approach.

Upon arrival at Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport, visibility remained obscured by smoke. Some residents in Pekanbaru were seen wearing masks to prevent the impacts of the haze.

“The smoke is currently severe; it had decreased a few days ago when it rained, but now it has worsened again due to smoke drifting from fires in Jambi,” said Roni, an officer at Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport, when met on Tuesday.

Roni noted that the haze significantly disrupted activities during mid-August 2026. The smoke continues to affect residents’ activities, though the situation in Pekanbaru remains dependent on surrounding conditions. When fires intensify in Jambi, winds can carry the smoke to Pekanbaru.

“If the fires in Jambi worsen, the smoke can be carried here,” Roni added.

Another Riau resident, Syarifah, admitted to being deeply disturbed by the exposure to haze. She noted that Rokan Hulu and Pelalawan remain the areas most severely affected by the fires.

“The smoke in Riau also comes heavily from the fires in Rokan Hulu and Pelalawan; hopefully, it rains again so the smoke clears,” said Syarifah.

Due to the severity of the haze, the Mayor of Pekanbaru, Agung Nugroho, has implemented Distance Learning (PJJ) for students at the PAUD/TK, primary, and junior high school levels from Wednesday to Saturday, 16-19 September 2026. This decision was made after the air quality in Pekanbaru deteriorated and was deemed unsafe for children’s health.

Based on data, the BMKG air quality monitoring reached 220, while the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) was recorded at 243. These conditions fall into the very unhealthy category and pose a significant health risk.