Smoke from Forest and Land Fires Prompts Kendari to Introduce Remote Learning Until 23 October

Kendari (ANTARA) - The Kendari City Government in Southeast Sulawesi has introduced distance learning, or online classes, for pupils from early childhood education and kindergarten through primary and junior secondary school from 16 to 23 October 2026. The move follows exposure to haze from forest and land fires.

“Yesterday I issued a circular on distance learning for children in early childhood education, kindergarten, primary and junior secondary schools, to prevent the unwanted consequences of the fires and stop our children from falling ill,” Kendari Mayor Siska Karina Imran said in Kendari on Friday.

The policy is set out in the Kendari Mayor’s Circular on the Implementation of Distance Learning or Online Classes Following Forest and Land Fire Disasters, issued on 15 October 2026.

She said the measure was taken after air quality in Kendari fell to very unhealthy and hazardous levels due to smoke from the fires, which could threaten the health and safety of the school community.

During the remote-learning period, schools and teachers may use a range of online learning tools, including WhatsApp groups, Google Classroom, learning management systems and other interactive platforms that pupils can access from home.

The city government has also instructed schools to simplify pupils’ workloads, focusing on essential subjects such as literacy, numeracy and character development, without imposing rigid curriculum targets.

Teachers and education staff will continue working at school, but must follow health protocols and monitor environmental conditions.

The Kendari City Government has urged parents to ensure children stay indoors and limit outdoor activities. Residents who need to go outside have been advised to wear masks.

School supervisors will monitor the implementation of distance learning regularly and report to the head of the Kendari City Education and Culture Office. The policy may be extended, amended or withdrawn at any time depending on air quality and directions from the local government.