DAMPAK SOSIAL EKONOMI KABUT ASAP TERHADAP AKSES PENDIDIKAN DI KOTA PALANGKA RAYA TERPENGARUH: FOKUS PADA ANAK-ANAK SEKOLAH DASAR

Abstract

This study examines the socioeconomic impacts of haze caused by forest and land fires on access to education among elementary school children in Palangka Raya City. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed to explore the experiences and perceptions of students, parents, and teachers affected by haze. The participants consisted of 15 elementary school students, 10 parents, and five elementary school teachers selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis and were subsequently analyzed using thematic analysis. Data validity was ensured through source triangulation and member checking. The findings indicate that haze negatively affects children’s health, school attendance, learning motivation, academic achievement, and access to learning resources. During the haze period, cases of respiratory infections among children increased, while many parents chose not to send their children to school because of health concerns. Restrictions on mobility and outdoor activities also limited teachers’ ability to implement interactive learning methods. Although distance learning was introduced as an alternative, unequal access to the internet and digital devices created additional barriers, particularly for children from socioeconomically disadvantaged families. These conditions widened the educational gap between children living in haze-affected areas and those in less affected areas. The study concludes that haze is not merely an environmental and health issue but also a socioeconomic problem that threatens educational continuity and equality. Therefore, collaboration among local government authorities, schools, families, and communities is essential to develop adaptive education policies, improve digital learning infrastructure, provide health protection, and strengthen disaster preparedness in schools.