The death toll from the collapse of a prayer hall at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, has risen to 37. The tragedy occurred on September 30, 2023, when the structure, which was under illegal construction, gave way, trapping students inside.
Rescue teams have been tirelessly searching for the 26 missing students using jackhammers and circular saws, as well as their bare hands to clear debris. Most of the students affected were boys aged between 12 and 19. Only one student managed to escape without injuries, while 95 others received treatment for various injuries and were subsequently released. Eight students are currently hospitalized with serious wounds.
Structural Issues and Legal Violations
Authorities have confirmed that the school management did not obtain the necessary permits before adding two additional levels to the original two-story building. This lack of compliance with construction regulations has sparked significant public outrage over the prevalence of illegal building practices in Indonesia.
Mudji Irmawan, a construction expert from the Tenth November Institute of Technology, stated, “The construction couldn’t support the load while the concrete was pouring (to build) the third floor because it didn’t meet standards and the whole 800 square meters construction collapsed.” He emphasized that students should not have been present in a building undergoing construction.
Subandi, the district chief of Sidoarjo, echoed these concerns, noting that many buildings in non-urban areas, including traditional boarding school extensions, are constructed without appropriate permits. He confirmed the police’s findings regarding the school’s management’s failure to comply with legal requirements.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigations
In the wake of the disaster, Abdus Salam Mujib, the school’s caretaker and a respected Islamic cleric, publicly apologized. In his statement, he described the event as “God’s will,” urging the community to remain patient and hopeful for justice and recovery for those affected.
The response from the school’s administration has been notably quiet since the incident, raising concerns among the community and authorities. East Java Police Chief Nanang Avianto announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse, emphasizing the need for expert guidance to determine if negligence by the school contributed to the fatalities.
As the search for missing students continues, the tragedy has highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building regulations in Indonesia. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of inadequate oversight in construction practices, particularly in educational institutions.
