Pekanbaru Education Office Reintroduces In-Person Learning After Three Days of Remote Learning

The Pekanbaru Education Office in Riau Province has reintroduced in-person teaching and learning activities after three days of Distance Learning (PJJ) or online classes, which were implemented due to haze caused by forest and land fires (karhutla).

The Acting Head of the Pekanbaru Education Office, Abdul Jamal, stated that face-to-face learning will continue even though air quality remains in the unhealthy category. However, the learning process will be conducted on a limited basis by implementing several health protocols.

“In-person learning resumes today, but all members of the school community are required to wear masks,” said Abdul Jamal in Pekanbaru on Thursday.

He noted that this decision follows Circular Letter No. 20 of 2026 from the Indonesian Minister of Primary and Secondary Education regarding the Provision of Educational Services in Educational Units in Areas Affected by Forest and Land Fire Haze.

According to Jamal, air conditions have improved compared to previous days. Despite the return to school, certain regulations must be followed, specifically that all learning activities must be conducted within classrooms.

Special attention, he continued, is being given to students who are vulnerable or have a history of respiratory diseases, such as asthma or Acute Respiratory Infections (ISPA). Students experiencing health issues are also granted the flexibility to study from home.

The Education Office is also anticipating the possibility of air quality deteriorating suddenly. In such circumstances, school principals are authorised to take precautionary measures, ranging from suspending outdoor activities and dismissing students early to reverting to remote learning.