Pekanbaru Government Implements Two-Day Distance Learning for Kindergarten to Junior High School to Prevent Forest Fire Impacts
The Pekanbaru municipal government has implemented distance learning (PJJ) following the forest and land fire (karhutla) situation. PJJ applies to students in early childhood education (PAUD), kindergarten, primary school and junior high school.
“We certainly cannot make every decision that pleases everyone. Some parents may want their children to continue attending school as usual, while others are worried about the air conditions. But when it comes to health, especially the health of our children, for us safety and health must come first,” said Pekanbaru Mayor Agung Nugroho in a statement on Sunday (6/9/2026).
PJJ will be carried out on Monday (7/9) and Tuesday (8/9). Agung explained that the Pekanbaru municipal government has been monitoring air quality developments periodically over the past two to three days, both through BMKG data and Air Pollutant Standard Index (ISPU) monitoring by the Environmental Agency (DLH).
Based on the BMKG report, the PM2.5 concentration at 19.00 WIB was recorded at 199.23 µg/m³. This condition has become a concern and one of the bases for the government to take preventive measures, especially for vulnerable groups.
“So this decision is not based on our own estimates. We look at BMKG data, and DLH also continues to monitor through the ISPU periodically. After that we listen to the considerations of the Health Office and pulmonary specialists. That is where this decision was taken,” he explained.
In the meeting, pulmonary specialist Dr Indra Yovi together with the Health Office also provided considerations regarding the impact of air quality on health. Based on health service reports, there has been an increase in acute respiratory infection (ISPA) cases, including among children.
This has become a concern because children, the elderly and people with comorbidities are groups that are more vulnerable to exposure to unhealthy air.
“Based on those health considerations, for one to two days we will first reduce children’s exposure. They are not on holiday. Children continue to receive educational services, only temporarily through an online system from home,” said Agung.
Agung stressed that based on current monitoring there are no fire hotspots within the city of Pekanbaru. Nevertheless, smoke conditions and air quality can change, as they are influenced by wind direction and movement. The municipal government together with BMKG and DLH continues to monitor periodically.
“Alhamdulillah, Pekanbaru itself has zero fire hotspots. But smoke conditions can change according to wind direction. Therefore we do not want to speculate. Our guide remains data and continuously updated monitoring,” he said.
On the other hand, based on BMKG’s presentation, on 8, 9 and 10 September there is a chance of rain in several areas of Riau Province, including Pekanbaru. The municipal government hopes the rain chances will become more widespread and help improve air quality.
Efforts through weather modification technology are also expected to help encourage and expand rain areas in Riau Province. Agung stressed that economic activities and public services continue to operate.
“This is certainly our hope. On 8, 9 and 10 September there is a chance of rain in Riau, including Pekanbaru. We hope the rain becomes more evenly distributed so that our air quality improves soon,” said Agung.