Pekanbaru Extends Distance Learning for Students Due to Forest Fires

The Pekanbaru City Government, Riau Province, has once again extended the distance learning (PJJ) or online learning policy for students ranging from early childhood education (PAUD) to junior high school (SMP) due to haze.

The Mayor of Pekanbaru, Agung Nugroho, stated that the decision was made after air quality in Pekanbaru deteriorated again due to haze suspected to be caused by forest and land fires (karhutla). Distance learning has been extended for two days, from 21 to 22 September 2026.

“Our distance learning is extended for the next two days,” he said in a statement in Pekanbaru on Monday, 21 September 2026.

The decision to extend distance learning was based on information from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) from the Environmental Agency (DLH). Following rainfall on Friday (18/9), air quality worsened again on Sunday (20/9), even reaching hazardous conditions.

He explained that the extension of distance learning was implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to poor air quality for students. Under this policy, students can continue their learning process from home without having to engage in outdoor activities while air quality remains poor.

Previously, the Pekanbaru City Government had implemented distance learning from 16-19 September 2026 for students from PAUD to SMP levels. This policy was enacted following the deterioration of air quality caused by haze from forest and land fires.

Agung emphasised that the distance learning policy does not mean that teaching and learning activities have ceased. The educational process continues, but is conducted from home as long as air conditions do not permit face-to-face learning.

“The Pekanbaru City Government will continue to monitor the development of air quality as a basis for evaluating future learning policies,” he added.