Palangka Raya Education Agency adjusts school hours to anticipate haze
The Education Agency (Disdik) of Palangka Raya City, Central Kalimantan, is adjusting school hours as a precautionary measure against air quality conditions and haze that could potentially affect students’ health.
The adjustment was discussed in a coordination meeting held online via Zoom Meeting on Tuesday, involving education units to agree on measures to protect students while ensuring the learning process continues.
“The current environmental conditions and air quality need to be a shared concern because they can affect students’ health. Therefore, schools must actively monitor air quality and take steps according to the conditions in their respective environments,” said Acting Head of the Palangka Raya City Education Agency Jayani in Palangka Raya.
During the meeting, it was agreed to delay school entry times from the normal schedule of 07.00 to 08.00 WIB as one effort to reduce students’ exposure to unhealthy air.
Although entry times are delayed, students are still required to wear masks while on school premises. Schools may also allocate School Operational Assistance (BOSP) funds in accordance with regulations for the provision of masks.
He also asked every education unit to monitor air quality regularly and prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling emergency conditions, including if the haze worsens.
If air conditions deteriorate further or become hazardous to health, schools may adjust learning to Distance Learning (PJJ) while continuing to coordinate with the Education Agency and supervisors.
“Every learning adjustment policy must have a strong basis and consideration and be accountable. Schools also need to ensure SOP readiness in facing emergency conditions such as haze,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Head of Junior High School Division M Aswan added that schools are asked to ensure handwashing facilities are available and functioning, and to remind students to bring or have sufficient drinking water during learning activities.
“Specifically for early childhood education (PAUD) and kindergarten levels, learning adjustments through PJJ are being implemented because young children are a group vulnerable to unhealthy air conditions. Its implementation still takes into account the characteristics of early childhood learning that combine aspects of learning and caregiving,” he explained.
The Education Agency also asked parents to play an active role in supervising students if PJJ is implemented. Students are expected to remain at home and follow the learning so that the adjustment of school activities does not instead increase children’s activities outside the home.