Islamic Boarding School Collapses in Indonesia, Leaving Dozens Trapped
A tragic incident occurred on September 29, 2025, at the Al-Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, when a building undergoing construction collapsed. The collapse occurred while students were gathered for afternoon prayers, resulting in at least one death, numerous injuries, and dozens feared trapped under the rubble. Rescue efforts are underway as authorities investigate the cause of the collapse.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Indonesian rescuers are working tirelessly to locate the 38 people feared trapped beneath the debris. The National Search and Rescue Agency, along with police and soldiers, are involved in the operation, navigating unstable rubble to reach survivors. As of Tuesday, at least one student has died, and over 100 individuals have been evacuated, with many sustaining injuries.
Efforts have been hampered by heavy concrete slabs and unstable building parts. Nanang Sigit, a search and rescue officer, emphasized the focus on saving lives while acknowledging the presence of bodies within the rubble. Rescue workers are providing oxygen and water to those trapped.
Details of the Collapse
The building that collapsed was reportedly undergoing an unauthorized expansion. According to provincial police spokesperson Jules Abraham Abast, the original two-story prayer hall was being expanded by two additional floors without proper permits. The existing foundation was allegedly unable to support the added weight, leading to the structural failure during the construction process.
The collapse occurred around 3 pm local time, catching students during afternoon prayers. Survivors indicate that female students, praying in a separate area, managed to escape. Injured students were immediately assisted by residents, teachers, and administrators, and subsequently transported to local hospitals. Many sustained head injuries and broken bones.
Community Impact and Investigation
The collapse has profoundly affected the community, with families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Video footage showed distraught families gathered near the site, desperately seeking information. A noticeboard listing missing students highlighted the scale of the tragedy. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on potential violations of building codes and safety standards.
The National Agency for Disaster Management has stressed the need for strict enforcement of construction safety standards to prevent similar incidents in the future. They urged the public and building managers to prioritize technical supervision during construction projects.
Similar Incidents and Safety Concerns
This is the second building collapse in Indonesia within a month. Earlier in September, a community hall collapsed in West Java's Bogor district, resulting in three fatalities and numerous injuries. These incidents highlight concerns regarding building safety and lax construction standards across the country.
Previous incidents, such as the 2018 collapse at Indonesia's stock exchange building and another collapse in Cirebon, have also raised alarms about building safety regulations. The recurring nature of these disasters underscores the urgent need for improved oversight and stricter enforcement of safety protocols in construction projects throughout Indonesia.
