Schools close, flights delayed as wildfire haze blankets Kalimantan
Official data and independent analysis show that fire activity this year has surpassed levels recorded during the same period in 2019, when Indonesia experienced one of its most devastating fire seasons in recent history.
Wildfire haze envelops Kalimantan, leading to school closures, flight delays, and a spike in upper respiratory infections.
In West Kalimantan, Pontianak Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono made the decision to shift all schools to remote learning due to the smoke from fires elsewhere darkening the city. Pontianak, with tens of thousands of students, has been significantly impacted by the haze.
The mayor's announcement came as part of efforts to protect public health, as air quality remains poor. State news agency Antara reported Edi's statement, which emphasized the necessity of remote learning until the air quality improves.
The haze has not only affected educational activities but also air travel. Flights have been delayed as the dense smoke reduces visibility and poses a safety risk. The situation in Kalimantan has exacerbated an already challenging fire season, according to official data and independent analysis.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
