Jakarta, ThedailyID — Air quality in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, reached the hazardous category on Friday (28/8), according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG).
BMKG data showed PM2.5 concentrations reached 494.9 µg/m³ at 8 a.m. local time. The figure sits far above the hazardous threshold of more than 250.5 µg/m³.
High PM2.5 concentrations can come from several pollution sources. Forest and land fires, known as karhutla, can also contribute to the pollution.
The situation comes as karhutla continues to spread across Central Kalimantan. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded 3,947 hotspots in the province.
“The number of hotspots in Central Kalimantan also increased by 1,837, bringing the total to 3,947,” BNPB Acting Head of the Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center Berton SP Panjaitan said, Friday (28/8).
The worsening air quality has also affected schools in Palangka Raya.
The Palangka Raya Education Office has implemented distance learning for students at early childhood, elementary, and junior high schools from August 28 to 31, 2026.
The Education Office will continue to evaluate learning arrangements for the following days. Officials will consider the latest developments in air quality before making further decisions.
