Asia06 October, 20252 min read
Illegal Construction Causes Indonesian School Collapse Killing 60 Students
Illegal and unauthorized construction caused structural failure during building expansion. The collapse occurred at Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in East Java during afternoon prayers.
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Deadly School Building Collapse
A tragic building collapse at the Al Khoziny boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, has resulted in the deaths of at least 60 people, mostly teenage boys. The incident occurred on September 29 during afternoon prayers, when the century-old building, which was undergoing unauthorized expansion, collapsed.
“A tragic building collapse at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school... has killed at least 54 people.”
The collapse trapped hundreds of students aged 12 to 19, with rescue teams recovering over two dozen bodies and continuing to search for missing victims. The disaster has been described as Indonesia's deadliest building failure in 2025, highlighting significant concerns about construction safety in the country.
Building Collapse and Investigation
The collapse has sparked public outrage and raised questions about the enforcement of building codes in Indonesia. The school was reportedly undergoing unauthorized construction work, adding two additional floors without the necessary permits, which led to the structural failure.
This incident has drawn attention to the widespread issue of illegal and substandard construction practices in the country. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation involving construction experts to determine negligence and prevent future tragedies.
Pesantren Safety Measures
The incident has intensified scrutiny on the safety of pesantren buildings across Indonesia. President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a nationwide safety audit of pesantrens and mandated stricter inspections and enforcement of building regulations.
“President Prabowo Subianto ordered a nationwide safety audit of pesantren and mandated stricter inspections and enforcement of building regulations.”
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has also committed to evaluating the safety of pesantren and places of worship to prevent future tragedies. This response underscores the urgent need for regulatory reform and improved oversight in the construction sector.
Community Response to Collapse
The collapse has also highlighted the emotional toll on the community, with families of the victims expressing grief and frustration over the tragedy. Community leaders have called for patience and faith, while the school’s caretaker issued a public apology, attributing the incident to divine will. The use of heavy machinery in the rescue efforts, agreed upon by the families after the critical 72-hour survival window, reflects the desperation and urgency of the situation.