The Regional Government of East Kotawaringin Regency (Pemkab Kotim), Central Kalimantan, has taken swift action to protect the education sector from the adverse effects of haze caused by forest and land fires (karhutla). Under the latest policy, schools are now authorized to implement Learning from Home (BDR) activities if the air quality in the region is deemed to have reached levels that endanger the health of students and teachers.
This strategic policy is outlined in the Circular Letter (SE) of the Regent of Kotim concerning the Adaptation of Learning Activities during the 2026 Dry Season, issued on August 3, 2026. The circular contains eight key instructions designed to ensure the safety of the school community while ensuring the transfer of knowledge continues. One of the fundamental rules is the mandatory use of masks for both educators and students during activities within the school environment.
Additionally, the East Kotawaringin Regency Government has allowed flexibility in school starting times. Learning hours, which originally began at 06:30 WIB, can be delayed to 07:00 WIB, or adjusted based on the density of the haze and field visibility. If the haze is deemed to be worsening, schools are permitted to shift the learning method to Distance Learning (PJJ). However, this emergency measure is situational and must be reported hierarchically to the local education agency.
To minimize exposure to dangerous particulate matter, all outdoor activities such as flag ceremonies, sports, morning exercises, and extracurricular activities are temporarily suspended. As part of the medical mitigation, schools are instructed to prepare the School Health Unit (UKS) room to provide first aid. Other mandatory preventive measures include regular watering of the school yard to suppress fine dust and a ban on burning garbage within the school area.
The East Kotawaringin Regency Government also urged parents to limit children's outdoor activities and immediately check their health at medical facilities if they show symptoms of respiratory issues. Based on recent air quality data monitoring, the pollution level in Kotim had briefly reached the unhealthy category with an index of 152 before easing to the moderate category. Vulnerable groups are still advised to remain vigilant against fluctuations in outdoor PM2.5 pollutant exposure.
