Haze in Samarinda, SMAN 3 Implements Learning from Home October 15–16

SAMARINDA, GARISBUMI.com – Smoke haze caused by forest and land fires (karhutla) is disrupting educational activities in Samarinda City, East Kalimantan (Kaltim). SMA Negeri 3 Samarinda implemented distance learning on 15–16 October 2026 to reduce the risk of smoke exposure for school residents.

The implementation of learning from home refers to the Circular of the Acting Head of the East Kalimantan (Kaltim) Province Education and Culture Service Number 100.3.4/2461/Disdikbud.1a/SRK/2026 dated 14 October 2026 concerning Learning from Home.

Based on information from the East Kalimantan (Kaltim) Provincial Government, Samarinda's air quality in the last few days still has the potential to be in the unhealthy to very unhealthy category. Smoke haze also reduces visibility at a number of points.

This situation prompted the Samarinda City Health Service to issue recommendations for protecting the health and safety of the community, especially students and teaching staff.

In this recommendation, phase III online learning is considered for educational units in the affected areas on 15–17 October 2026. Its implementation will be evaluated based on developments in air quality and visibility.

Head of the Samarinda City Health Service, Ismid Kusasih, explained that distance learning is temporary and situational. Technical decisions are adjusted to weather conditions and the results of regular cross-sector monitoring.

Thus, the home learning schedule that has been determined by SMAN 3 Samarinda will take place on 15–16 October, while the online learning recommendations for affected areas cover the period 15–17 October 2026.