JustUpdateOnline.com – Jambi, Authorities in Jambi have officially suspended physical classes for all educational levels, ranging from early childhood programs to senior high schools, as a direct response to the intensifying smog caused by regional land and forest fires. This decision aims to prioritize the well-being of students as air quality in the province continues to decline to dangerous levels.
During a virtual coordination session with President Prabowo Subianto on Monday, Governor Al Haris emphasized that this drastic measure is essential to safeguard the younger generation from the deteriorating atmospheric conditions. He noted that the density of the haze has reached a point where outdoor exposure poses a significant risk to student health.
The provincial government’s move is backed by an official circular regarding the management of air quality emergencies. Under these regulations, local municipalities and the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ regional offices are authorized to halt face-to-face instruction and transition to home-based learning whenever the air quality index suggests a potential health hazard. Residents are also being urged to minimize outdoor activities during peak pollution periods.
The environmental crisis has already begun to manifest in public health statistics. In Jambi City, medical records indicate a sharp 15 percent increase in cases of Acute Respiratory Infections (ISPA). Recent data shows that the number of reported infections has climbed from approximately 1,700 to 1,955 cases. This health alert has triggered a notable rise in the sale of protective gear, with pharmacies reporting high demand for pediatric face masks.
While the educational sector pivots to remote formats, emergency teams remain active in the field. Governor Al Haris confirmed that personnel are currently conducting "cooling" operations in previously burned areas to ensure that subterranean embers do not reignite.
To strengthen the firefighting response, the provincial administration has formally requested additional aerial resources. The Governor expressed hope that more water-bombing helicopters will be deployed soon to reach isolated hotspots that are currently inaccessible to ground-based fire brigades.
