Jakarta. The Health Ministry is preparing a circular calling for reduced outdoor activities, including remote learning, when air quality deteriorates due to forest and land fire haze in several parts of the country, a senior official said Wednesday.

Environmental Health Director Then Suyanti said the Health Ministry has coordinated with the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry and the Religious Affairs Ministry to encourage schools to switch to remote learning when air pollution reaches dangerous levels.

The measure is intended particularly to protect vulnerable groups from exposure to smoke, she said.

“Schools are expected to avoid in-person learning when the Air Pollution Standard Index rises,” Then said.

Based on monitoring on Wednesday morning, hazardous air quality was recorded in several areas, including Muaro Jambi Regency, Palangkaraya, and Jekan Raya in Central Kalimantan, Then said.

“Vulnerable groups require our particular attention because they are more susceptible to illness, and this requires a rapid response from all of us,” she said.

Then warned that exposure to haze can cause a range of health problems, including acute respiratory infections, eye and skin irritation, as well as an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

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