Building collapse at Islamic boarding school exposes safety lapses, leaving families devastated.
A prayer session at an Islamic boarding school in East Java turned tragic when a building collapsed, killing three and trapping dozens of students under rubble.
Deadly Collapse During Prayers
On Monday, September 29, the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Buduran, Sidoarjo, East Java, witnessed a devastating collapse of its male students’ dormitory and prayer hall. The building gave way during Asar prayers, leaving hundreds of students in shock. At least three people were killed, while more than 90 others sustained injuries, many requiring hospital treatment.
Survivors Recount the Horror
Thirteen-year-old student Muhammad Rijalul Qoib described hearing cracking sounds above before the ceiling gave way. “It got louder and louder until everything collapsed,” he told detikJatim. He managed to escape despite being struck by debris. Other students recalled scenes of chaos, broken bones, and cries for help as rescuers rushed in.
Rescue Efforts Face High Risks
Rescue operations were immediately launched, involving dozens of search and rescue (SAR) personnel and ambulances. Authorities warned of “pancake-style” collapsed layers of concrete, creating narrow voids that posed extreme danger both to trapped survivors and rescuers. Mohammad Syafeii, head of Basarnas, said heavy equipment could help lift slabs but risked endangering those still trapped beneath.
Questions Over Safety and Permits
Investigations quickly revealed the school expansion lacked proper permits. Sidoarjo Regent Subandi confirmed the absence of an Izin Mendirikan Bangunan (IMB), Indonesia’s construction permit. Witnesses and school leaders noted the structure’s weak concrete supports and rushed construction, with the top floor still under development when it collapsed.
School Leaders Respond
KH Abdus Salam Mujib, the school’s caretaker, apologized to families and attributed the disaster to divine will. However, his comments drew scrutiny amid revelations of poor oversight and the lack of regulatory compliance in pesantren construction projects. Many Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia operate informally, with limited supervision from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Broader Pattern of Safety Failures
The tragedy is part of a troubling trend. Earlier in September, another building collapsed during a prayer gathering in West Java, killing four people and injuring dozens. The International Labour Organization has ranked Indonesia’s construction sector among the world’s most hazardous, with frequent accidents attributed to weak regulations and inadequate safety standards.
The Sidoarjo collapse underscores Indonesia’s urgent need for stricter construction oversight, especially in religious and educational institutions where young lives are at risk. Beyond mourning the loss of students and injuries sustained, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the cost of neglecting safety and regulation. For Indonesians and their neighbors in Singapore, the disaster raises pressing questions about governance, accountability, and the safety of vulnerable communities.
Sources: BBC (2025) , CNN Indonesia (2025)
Keywords: Indonesia School Collapse, Sidoarjo Tragedy, Islamic Boarding School, Building Permits, Construction Safety, Disaster Rescue
