Rescue teams in Sidoarjo, East Java are grappling with one of Indonesia’s deadliest structural disasters of the year after the collapse of a prayer hall building at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school. The confirmed death toll has climbed to 54, with more than a dozen students still missing beneath the rubble.
Tragedy in the Midst of Prayers
The collapse occurred on 29 September 2025 during Asr prayers, when students were gathered in the school’s multi-story prayer hall (musala). Witnesses say the building gave way without warning as concrete was being cast on upper floors.
Investigations point to structural overload: the foundation could not support the extra weight of newly added floors. Authorities also note the expansion work was underway without proper permits.
Recovery Efforts: Bodies, Ruins, and Hope
- Rescue teams have employed a combination of heavy machinery (cranes, excavators), jackhammers, and manual digging to remove debris.
- Among the 54 recovered, some were only body parts, raising the possibility that the final toll could exceed current figures.
- Officials say about 13 students remain missing. Daily Sabah+1
- Nearly 80 % of the rubble has been cleared, and authorities hope to wrap up recovery by Monday.
Yudhi Bramantyo, operations director for Indonesia’s search & rescue agency, stated: “We have retrieved 54 dead victims, including five body parts … we hope we can conclude the recovery today.”
Victims, Injuries & Survivors
- The tragedy mostly affected teenage boys, aged 12–19, who were in the prayer hall at the time.
- 103 people were injured in the collapse, many taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
- Some students have recounted hearing cracks or shifts in the structure prior to collapse, but there was no time to escape.
Accountability, Construction Lapses & Questions
The collapse has reignited scrutiny over building safety, especially in religious schools (pesantren) across Indonesia:
- Among the ~42,000 pesantren nationwide, only a tiny fraction have official building permits.
- Questions persist over who approved the expansion, whether safety inspections were bypassed, and the roles of school administrators and contractors.
- Local and national governments face pressure to review building codes, ensure safe construction practices, and enforce accountability.
What Happens Next
- Authorities aim to complete the search and recovery operations imminently, if conditions permit.
- A criminal investigation is underway, with possible charges of negligence, unsafe construction, or permit violations.
- The government may also suspend or audit other schools undergoing expansion without authorization.
- The tragedy has prompted a renewed call for stronger regulatory oversight of school infrastructure and stricter adherence to engineering standards.
