UPDATE: The death toll from the devastating collapse of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in East Java, Indonesia has tragically risen to 65 as rescuers continue their search for survivors, now a week after the disaster struck on September 30, 2023.
Authorities confirm that concrete walls and floors gave way, trapping hundreds of students, primarily teenage boys, beneath the rubble. While many managed to escape, the country grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
Mohammad Syafii, head of Indonesia’s search and rescue agency, reported that more bodies and body parts have been recovered, pushing the confirmed death toll to 65. The exact number of missing individuals remains uncertain. Syafii assured reporters that recovery efforts would persist until they are “sure that no victims are left.”
Eyewitness accounts and footage released by the search and rescue agency depict workers carrying orange body bags from the ruins, highlighting the urgent and heartbreaking nature of this ongoing rescue operation.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the collapse may have stemmed from construction work on the upper floors, with inadequate support from the school’s foundations. As the nation mourns, questions are being raised about safety regulations in educational structures across Indonesia.
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, there are approximately 42,000 Islamic school buildings, known as pesantren, across the country. Alarmingly, only 50 of these schools possess valid building permits, raising concerns about compliance with safety standards. Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of construction regulations.
As the search and recovery efforts continue, the nation watches closely, hoping for closure for the families affected by this tragedy. The Al Khoziny incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks facing educational institutions in Indonesia, prompting calls for immediate reforms to ensure the safety of students.
Stay tuned for further updates as rescue operations unfold and authorities provide more information on the situation.
