The tragic collapse of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, has led to a sharp increase in the death toll, now reaching at least 49, according to Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency. The catastrophic event, which occurred last week, resulted in piles of concrete caving in on hundreds of mostly teenage boys, prompting a rapid response from rescue teams.
By late Sunday, rescuers had cleared about 80% of the debris and discovered the remains of numerous victims. Footage released by the search agency showed officials carrying orange body bags from the site. The construction of upper floors over weak foundations was cited as the cause of the collapse. Authorities are continuing their search efforts, hoping to locate any remaining victims.
This incident highlights the existing structural concerns across Indonesia, where approximately 42,000 Islamic school buildings, known as pesantren, exist. Alarmingly, only 50 of these institutions have obtained the necessary building permits, raising serious questions about construction standards and safety regulations in the country. The public works minister, Dody Hanggodo, noted the need for stricter adherence to safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Other recent incidents in Indonesia underscore a growing concern regarding public safety, as seen in a rock collapse at a quarry in West Java, which tragically resulted in 19 fatalities, and several maritime disasters implicating lax safety protocols. These recurring issues emphasize the necessity for enhanced regulations to safeguard lives.
Amid the sorrow and challenges posed by these incidents, there is hope that they will spur reforms in safety practices and compliance with construction guidelines. Communities are increasingly advocating for change, aiming to protect lives and ensure that such disasters can be averted in the future. The resilience and readiness of the response teams serve as a testament to the collective effort in the wake of this tragedy, highlighting the importance of learning from past mistakes to foster a safer environment for all.