Sumatra Haze Disrupts Schooling and Free Meal Program in Riau Islands

Haze from forest and land fires (Karhutla) in Sumatra has severely impacted educational activities in Indonesia's Riau Islands Province (Kepri). Following the haze situation, the Kepri Provincial Education Agency has instructed all educational institutions in the province to switch from in-person learning (PTM) to home-based learning (BDR). The resumption of in-person classes is dependent on the improvement of air quality. Andi Agung, Head of the Kepri Provincial Education Agency, stated that the transition to home-based learning is situational and that in-person classes can be promptly resumed once air quality improves, for instance, with the arrival of rain. A circular from the Kepri Provincial Secretariat (Number B/400.3/58/DISDIK-SET/2026) mandates schools to prepare teaching materials and assignments tailored to students' conditions. Teachers and principals are also required to monitor students' learning progress and health during BDR, while parents are urged to limit their children's outdoor activities, maintain clean and healthy lifestyles, and wear masks when engaging in outdoor activities. The shift to home-based learning has also affected the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program for students. The MBG coordinator for Batam explained that the distribution of MBG must be halted when school activities are suspended. This is because MBG cannot be provided outside the school premises when there are no on-site school activities. Meanwhile, according to the Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) Hang Nadim Batam branch, the haze enveloping Batam is primarily caused by smoke originating from Sumatra, particularly from the Jambi region. The wind direction is currently from south to north. BMKG's observation at 6:00 AM on September 15 indicated a PM2.5 concentration of 38.7 µg/m³, categorized as moderate. Hotspots observed in Lingga and Anambas are not the main source of haze affecting Batam. BMKG advises the public to monitor air quality developments, as PM2.5 concentrations can change with wind direction and speed. Vulnerable groups, especially children, the elderly, and individuals sensitive to respiratory issues, are recommended to reduce outdoor activities when air quality deteriorates. Currently, no end date for home-based learning has been set, and the policy will be evaluated periodically based on air quality conditions in the Kepri region. Source: Liputan6