Tragic School Collapse in East Java Claims 50 Lives
The death toll from the catastrophic collapse of an Islamic boarding school in East Java, Indonesia has risen to at least 50 people, with rescue workers continuing to search for 13 missing individuals. The disaster occurred at the Al Khoziny Islamic School in Sidoarjo on September 29, 2025, when the building's prayer hall collapsed during afternoon prayers while hundreds of students were present.
Rescue Operations and Recovery Efforts
Rescue teams have cleared nearly 80% of the debris using heavy machinery, with authorities expecting to recover all remaining bodies by the end of the day. The victims were predominantly teenagers who had gathered for Asr prayers when the structure gave way. 'We have been working around the clock to clear the debris and locate survivors, but the scale of this tragedy is overwhelming,' said a local rescue coordinator who requested anonymity.
Building Safety Failures Exposed
Preliminary investigations reveal that the collapse resulted from unauthorized construction work on the upper floors that exceeded the building's structural capacity. According to Indonesian authorities, the school had not obtained proper building permits for the renovations. 'This school had no permit for the renovation work. This happens frequently in Indonesia where building regulations are often ignored during expansions,' explained Mustafa Marghadi, an Indonesia correspondent.
The incident has exposed systemic issues in Indonesia's building safety regulations. Data from the Ministry of Religious Affairs shows that of approximately 42,000 Islamic school buildings nationwide, only about 50 have proper building permits, according to local media reports citing the Minister of Public Works.
Government Response and Safety Reforms
In response to the tragedy, the Indonesian government has announced plans to establish building standards for Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). The Ministry of Religious Affairs spokesperson Thobib Al Asyhar stated that 'the standards will be developed through discussions with Islamic scholars, clerics, and other pesantren stakeholders' as reported by Antara News.
The ministry plans to coordinate with the Ministry of Public Works and other agencies to raise awareness about proper construction procedures and ensure future buildings comply with safety regulations. This initiative aims to prevent similar incidents and reassure parents about the safety of Islamic boarding schools, which play a vital role in Indonesia's education system.
Broader Implications for Building Safety
The tragedy highlights Indonesia's ongoing challenges with building safety enforcement. A 2023 study revealed that 60% of buildings in Indonesia are not built to withstand moderate earthquakes, underscoring widespread structural vulnerabilities. Recent regulatory reforms through the Construction Safety Management System (SMKK) introduced via Government Regulation 14/2021 aim to address these issues by mandating safety protocols across all construction project stages.
However, enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly in rural areas and for religious institutions. 'The authorities face a delicate balance between holding religious leaders accountable and maintaining social stability,' noted Marghadi, highlighting the sensitivity of prosecuting respected religious figures in Indonesia's predominantly Muslim society.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has promised safety checks for all Islamic schools nationwide, but experts warn that this addresses only part of a broader systemic problem requiring comprehensive regulatory reform and consistent enforcement.