Smog Emergency: All Schools in North Sumatra Move to Remote Learning Until 21 October
North Sumatra’s Education Office has introduced remote learning at all schools from 16 to 21 October 2026, following a worsening haze caused by forest and land fires.
The policy is set out in Circular Letter No. 400.3/106/DISDIK/X/2026 on further measures to anticipate the effects of fire-related haze and adjust learning activities at early childhood education centres, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, vocational schools and special-needs schools across North Sumatra.
North Sumatra Education Office Head Alexander Sinulingga said the circular followed an instruction from Governor Bobby Nasution on addressing the impact of haze in several parts of the province.
“The policy is also intended to protect the health and safety of pupils, teachers and education staff, making it necessary to adjust learning activities and working arrangements at educational institutions,” he said on Friday (16 October).
Under the circular, remote learning will apply across all educational institutions and levels from 16 to 21 October 2026. Schools have asked parents and guardians to supervise pupils, ensure they take part in remote lessons and remain indoors during school hours, and limit their activities outside the home.
Pupils will study from home using digital platforms or communication media selected by their schools. Teachers are expected to ensure that learning materials are delivered appropriately and do not place an excessive burden on pupils.
Teachers and education staff will work from home. Heads of educational institutions are to monitor the implementation of remote learning and report the results to the relevant district or municipal education office and the provincial education office’s regional branches.
The remote-learning arrangements will be reviewed periodically in light of air quality and guidance from the authorities. Any extension of the policy or return to face-to-face classes will be announced later.
Haze covering several parts of North Sumatra has increasingly disrupted visibility. It is reportedly drifting in from southern Sumatra and Kalimantan, carried by air currents.
Hendro Nugroho, head of the Medan Region I Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BBMKG), said monitoring on 15 October 2026 found air quality in several parts of North Sumatra to be moderate to unhealthy.
“Observations at Kualanamu, Aek Godang and Silangit meteorological stations on 15 October 2026 at 9 am WIB also showed visibility falling to between one and three kilometres,” Hendro said.
Residents in areas with poor visibility due to haze have been advised to drive carefully, reduce speed, keep a safe distance and use vehicle lights as needed.
“People are also advised to limit outdoor activities if air quality worsens and to wear an appropriate mask to reduce exposure to smoke particles,” he said.