Wildfires; Banjarmasin Logs More than 6,000 Cases of ISPA

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The city government of Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, implemented distance learning (PJJ) for students from October 4 to 7, 2023, as the haze of smoke in the region is getting thicker. The Regional Education Agency head, Nuryadi, said on Tuesday that the policy applies to all schools from the early childhood education school (PAUD), kindergarten, elementary, and junior high school levels.

“This is surely because of the forest and land fires during the dry season in the province. Banjarmasin City is also affected,” Nuryadi said.

He explained that this condition is increasingly affecting the health of teachers, staffers, and students. Moreover, the Banjarmasin Health Agency reported that cases of upper respiratory tract infections or ISPA are increasing. 

“The Banjarmasin Health Agency records more than 6,000 ISPA cases,” he said.

“After October 7 or at the end of PJJ, the Banjarmasin Education Agency will conduct evaluations and coordinate with other parties to determine the next policy,” Nuryadi said.

Banjarmasin City is still shrouded in a thick haze of smoke due to increasingly widespread wildfires in South Kalimantan. The situation is getting worse, especially in the morning. 

The forest and land fires are quite severe in the neighboring areas of Banjarmasin City, such as Barito Kuala Regency, Banjar Regency, Banjarbaru City, and Tanah Laut Regency.

ANTARA

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