Haze Forces PALI and Muba to Extend Remote Learning for Students

Two districts in South Sumatra have extended remote learning for students as haze from land and forest fires continues to degrade air quality. Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir (PALI) and Musi Banyuasin (Muba) both moved classes online starting Monday, October 12, 2026, according to sumsel.idntimes.com.

In PALI, the education office extended a remote-learning policy that had been in place since October 9. The district's Air Pollution Standard Index remains in the dangerous category, and officials have not set an end date, saying the policy will track air-quality conditions. Harun, head of the district education office, said the measure aims to reduce students' and teachers' exposure to the smoke while keeping schooling going.

Muba took a similar step through its education and culture office, issuing letter Number 420/4020/DIKBUD/2026 dated October 11 on adjusting learning in response to air pollution. The directive covers all state and private kindergarten, elementary, junior high and community learning centers under the district government. Yayan, who heads the office, said the shift to online classes starting October 12 was an anticipatory measure to protect the health of students, teachers and education staff.

The decision in Muba followed a reading of PM2.5 at 191 — classified as unhealthy — in Sekayu and surrounding areas on Sunday, October 11, based on monitoring by the district's environmental agency using an Air Quality Monitoring System. M. Thabrani Rizki, the agency's acting head, said monitoring will continue so officials can track changes in air quality and keep the public informed, urging residents to stay alert, follow air-quality updates and limit smoke exposure, especially for children and vulnerable groups.

Remote learning in Muba runs from October 12 with no fixed end date; both districts say they will review the policy based on pollution index readings and conditions on the ground. In-person classes will resume only when air quality allows.