Forest-fire smoke pushes Palangka Raya, Banjarbaru air to dangerous
PM2.5 in Palangka Raya hit 494.9 µg/m3, while schools in the city shifted to remote learning through Aug. 31.
Air quality in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, and Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, fell into the dangerous category on Friday morning after a spike in PM2.5 particles driven by smoke from forest and land fires. BMKG recorded PM2.5 in Palangka Raya at 494.9 micrograms per cubic meter at 08.00 WIB, while concentrations in Banjarbaru reached 356.7 micrograms per cubic meter at 09.00 Wita. In Palangka Raya, the city Education Office ordered distance learning for PAUD, SD and SMP on 28-31 August 2026. BNPB also recorded hotspots in Central Kalimantan rising to 3,947 points. BMKG urged residents to limit outdoor activity and wear N95 or KN95 masks, especially children, older people and other vulnerable groups.