Air Quality Worsens, Riau Department of Education Issues Online Learning Circular

PEKANBARU - The deteriorating air quality in several regions of Riau Province due to haze has prompted the Riau Provincial Department of Education (Disdik) to issue a Circular to the Heads of Schools (Kepsek) at the high school (SMA), vocational school (SMK), and special needs school (SLB) levels, advising students to engage in online learning from home.

"Disdik Riau has issued a circular to students at the SMA, SMK, and SLB levels to start learning from home on Monday (9/10/23)," said Kamsol on Sunday (8/10/2023).

Kamsol explained that this recommendation applies specifically to schools under the supervision of the Riau Provincial Disdik, such as SMA, SMK, and SLB. "As for elementary and junior high schools, the authority to issue such a circular lies with the district or city Disdik," he added.

However, Kamsol emphasized that not all SMA, SMK, and SLB schools are required to follow this circular. In areas where the air quality remains healthy, the teaching and learning process will continue as usual. "Not all districts and cities have unhealthy air quality, so in those areas, the teaching and learning process will proceed as usual," he added.

To monitor the air quality in their respective school areas, Kamsol requested schools to coordinate with the local Environmental Agency (DLH).

The following is the content of the circular issued on October 6, 2023, and signed by Kamsol. Based on the monitoring of the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) in several districts/cities in Riau Province, the current air quality is classified as "UNHEALTHY." Therefore, all Heads of Public and Private High Schools (SMA/SMK/SLB) are required to implement the following measures:

Starting Monday, October 9, 2023, the Teaching and Learning Process (PBM) will be conducted online from home, and the implementation system will be regulated by each educational institution.

1. Starting Monday, October 9, 2023, the Teaching and Learning Process (PBM) will be conducted "online" from home, and the implementation system will be regulated by each educational institution.

2. Each head of the educational institution ensures that online PBM can run smoothly while still paying attention to learning outcomes.

3. Encouraging students, teachers, and educational staff to maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle and always wear masks when outside their homes.

4. Reducing students' activities outside their homes.

5. Coordinating with the local Education Department Branch (Regions I, II, III, IV) if there are any issues at the educational institution that require a policy.

6. If the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) in each district/city has improved, you are advised to resume the Teaching and Learning Process at school as usual (in-person).

7. With the issuance of this circular, the Riau Provincial Department of Education Letter No. 420/Disdik/2/2023/26502 dated October 5, 2023, regarding the Impact of Haze on the Teaching and Learning Process (PBM), is revoked and declared null and void. *