Palembang Schools Move Online Amidst Worsening Haze and Unhealthy Air Pollution

South Bend Elkhart, IN, September 9, 2026 —

Schools in Palembang, Indonesia, have transitioned to remote learning as deteriorating air quality, caused by haze from forest and peatland fires, has reached unhealthy levels. This measure aims to protect students from the adverse effects of the pollution.

The widespread haze has impacted more than 1.4 million students across the country, highlighting the significant environmental challenge. The decision to switch to online classes in Palembang indicates the severity of the air pollution crisis in the region. The specific timeline for the continuation of remote learning or the return to in-person classes was not provided.

Forest and peatland fires are recurrent issues in Indonesia, particularly during the dry season. These fires release large amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere, leading to reduced visibility and significant public health concerns. Air quality monitoring stations often report levels categorized as unhealthy or hazardous during periods of intense burning.

The Indonesian government and local authorities typically implement various measures to combat the fires and mitigate the impact of the haze, including cloud seeding, water bombing, and law enforcement against those responsible for illegal land clearing. However, the scale of the fires and prevailing wind patterns can make containment and air quality improvement challenging.

The shift to remote learning by educational institutions in Palembang underscores the immediate consequences of environmental degradation on daily life and education. The health and well-being of students remain a primary concern for educators and parents alike as they navigate the ongoing haze situation. Further updates on air quality and school operations are anticipated as the situation develops.

Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.