Rescuers in Indonesia have recovered more bodies following the collapse of a prayer hall at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, bringing the confirmed death toll to 54 students. Authorities say at least 13 others remain missing after the tragic incident that occurred on September 29.
According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, rescuers used heavy excavators, jackhammers, and even their bare hands to remove rubble in their desperate search for survivors. Thirty-five bodies were recovered over the weekend alone, while six students with severe injuries remain hospitalized.
Police investigations suggest that the building collapsed due to illegal construction. Two additional floors were reportedly being added to the existing two-story structure without a permit. This unapproved expansion likely caused the structure to fail while concrete was being poured for the new floor.
“The construction couldn’t support the load while the concrete was pouring because it didn’t meet standards,” said Mudji Irmawan, a construction expert from the Tenth November Institute of Technology. “Students should not have been allowed inside a building under construction.”
The district’s chief, Subandi, confirmed that the school’s management had not obtained the required building permits. He noted that many traditional boarding schools in rural areas often bypass official procedures, leading to unsafe structures.
The school’s caretaker, Abdus Salam Mujib, a respected cleric, issued a public apology, calling the tragedy “God’s will” and urging patience among the affected families.
Police have launched a criminal investigation into possible negligence by the school. East Java police chief Nanang Avianto said experts are assisting in determining the exact cause of the collapse.
The incident has sparked nationwide anger and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of Indonesia’s building regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
