INDOPOSCO.ID – Smoke from forest and land fires (wildfires) is beginning to threaten educational activities. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti has issued a circular on the provision of educational services in areas affected by wildfire smoke.
The circular serves as a guideline for local governments and schools to adjust learning activities according to air quality conditions while protecting the health of students, teachers, and education personnel.
Under the regulation, changes to learning arrangements are based on the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU), which must be monitored at least twice a day. If data from official sources differ, the highest-risk category must be used as a precautionary measure.
When the ISPU is between 1 and 100, classified as good to moderate, full in-person learning may continue. However, outdoor activities must be restricted once air quality reaches the moderate category.
When the ISPU reaches 101–200, classified as unhealthy, in-person learning must be conducted on a limited basis. Vulnerable groups, including preschool students, first- to third-grade elementary school students, students with disabilities, and those with underlying health conditions, must switch to distance learning.
At an ISPU level of 201–300, classified as very unhealthy, in-person learning must be suspended and replaced with distance learning. If the ISPU exceeds 300, classified as hazardous, all school gatherings must be suspended, with priority given to evacuation and health protection.
Changes to the learning arrangement are determined by local governments and reviewed daily. The policy may remain in effect for a maximum of three days and can be implemented at the provincial, regency/municipality, or subdistrict level in affected areas.
If air quality deteriorates suddenly, school principals are also authorized to take precautionary measures, including suspending outdoor activities, sending students home early, or switching to distance learning before an official decision is issued.
“Distance learning does not mean a holiday. The temporary suspension of in-person learning does not reduce students’ right to receive educational services,” Mu’ti said in the circular, as quoted Saturday (Aug. 29, 2026).
Under the circular, distance learning may be conducted online, offline, or through a combination of both. For schools facing electricity or internet disruptions, learning may be delivered through printed modules, activity sheets, home-based assignments, home visits by teachers, radio, or local television.
“During an emergency, the learning load should be simplified, with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and character development. Schools are also instructed not to assign tasks that would place an additional burden on students and their parents,” Mu’ti said in the circular.
The circular also instructs schools to prepare smoke-safe classrooms to serve as temporary shelters. These rooms may be equipped with HEPA air purifiers, exhaust fans, sealed ventilation, spare masks, drinking water, and first-aid kits.
Schools are also required to implement the 6M+ health protocol, including monitoring air quality, reducing outdoor activities, closing ventilation openings and using air purifiers, avoiding sources of smoke, wearing masks, maintaining clean and healthy living habits, and consulting health workers if respiratory problems arise.
“Special attention must be given to vulnerable groups, including young children, elementary school students, people with disabilities, students with underlying health conditions, as well as teachers and education personnel who are pregnant or have underlying health conditions,” Mu’ti said in the circular.
Schools are also instructed to coordinate with community health centers to address health problems. Psychosocial services and counseling must continue to be provided, including through remote channels.
“For activities involving large numbers of students, such as assessments, student activities, and new student admissions, schedules may be postponed or activities may be conducted online if air quality conditions do not permit them to proceed,” Mu’ti said in the circular.
According to the circular, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education will also activate Emergency Education Posts for wildfire emergencies in affected provinces. Schools are required to submit daily reports covering ISPU levels, learning arrangements, the number of affected students, and any health problems that occur.(nas)
