Full Breakdown
Tragedy Strikes as Indonesian School Collapses During Prayer Service
10/3/2025, 4:08:00 AM
Overview of the Incident
On September 29, 2025, the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java, collapsed during an afternoon prayer service, trapping approximately 91 students and staff beneath the rubble. The building, which was undergoing unauthorized construction to add two additional floors, failed when its foundation could not support the extra weight, leading to a catastrophic collapse that occurred around 2:30 PM local time.
Rescue Operations and Challenges
Rescue efforts commenced immediately, with over 300 workers, including police and military personnel, deployed to the site. Initial reports indicated that rescuers detected signs of life, prompting a manual search for survivors. However, as the critical 72-hour window for potential rescues passed, hopes began to fade. By October 2, officials announced that no further signs of life had been detected, leading to a shift from rescue to recovery operations. Heavy machinery was brought in to clear debris, a decision made after consulting with the families of the missing.
Current Status of Victims
As of October 2, five fatalities have been confirmed, with nearly 60 students still unaccounted for. The students trapped were primarily boys aged 12 to 19, while female students praying in a different section of the building managed to escape. The National Disaster Management Agency reported that 105 individuals were injured, with over two dozen still hospitalized, many suffering from severe injuries.
Official Statements and Responses
Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Pratikno, emphasized the need for caution during recovery efforts, stating, “In any case, we will be very, very careful when using the heavy machines.” Suharyanto, head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, acknowledged the grim outlook, saying, “We are no longer considering the possibility of survivors remaining, but we will still proceed with caution.”
Criticism and Concerns
The incident has raised serious concerns regarding building safety standards in Indonesia, particularly in Islamic boarding schools, where lax construction practices are common. Local authorities confirmed that the school had been adding floors without proper permits, and experts have pointed to "technological failure" as a contributing factor to the collapse. Calls for stricter regulations and oversight of construction practices have intensified in the wake of this tragedy.
Family Reactions and Vigil
Families of the missing students have maintained a vigil at the site, expressing their anguish and hope for the safe return of their loved ones. Many parents have shared their stories, highlighting the emotional toll of waiting for news. Ahmad Iksan, whose 14-year-old son is missing, stated, “I believe my son is still alive,” reflecting the desperate hope that persists among the families.
Conclusion and Future Actions
As recovery operations continue, the focus remains on retrieving the bodies of those presumed dead while addressing the urgent need for improved safety regulations in building practices across Indonesia. The tragedy at Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate oversight in construction, prompting calls for systemic changes to prevent similar disasters in the future.
