Tragedy at Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School: The Importance of Maintaning on Building Safety

Tag : Indonesia - Asep Haryono | Tragedy at Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School: The Importance of Maintaning on Building Safety - Powered by Blogger

The reason I post today to spread awareness internationally about the tragedy and the vital lesson it teaches about building safety

A heartbreaking tragedy has struck Indonesia as the Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School (Pondok Pesantren Al-Khoziny) in Sidoarjo, East Java, collapsed during afternoon prayers, claiming at least 36 lives and leaving 27 students still missing beneath the rubble.

According to reports from Reuters and AP News, the collapse occurred on September 29, 2025, when a section of the school’s building which was under expansion suddenly gave way while hundreds of students were inside. Early investigations suggest that the foundation was too weak to support the added upper floors being constructed, causing a “pancake-style” collapse.

To honor the incredible efforts of Indonesia’s rescue teams and to show respect for the families who lost their loved ones and also to avoid any copyright issues I decided not to use any real photos of the tragedy. You may search for related images on your own, at your own discretion and responsibility.

Condolence flyer from the official X account belonging
to the Sampang Regency Bawaslu

Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations, led by Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), continue around the clock. Teams of rescuers are digging through the debris using a combination of heavy machinery, manual digging, and specialized sensors to detect any signs of life.

Officials say about 60% of the debris has been cleared, but progress remains slow due to the unstable structure and the risk of further collapse. Rescuers are carefully tunneling through the ruins, listening for faint sounds and using thermal scanners to search for trapped students.

Tragically, hopes of finding more survivors are fading as days pass. Families continue to wait near the site some praying, others silently holding onto hope. One mother, Jayanti Mandasari, told reporters she spoke with her teenage son just minutes before the collapse. “He only asked me to bring snacks,” she said tearfully. “Now I just want to hold him again.

 Casualties and Injuries
As of this morning, the official figures are: 

• Based on local news stated 36 confirmed dead 

• 27 missing 

• 103 injured, several in critical condition The majority of victims are students many between 12 and 17 years old who were studying and praying when the collapse occurred. Hospitals in Sidoarjo and Surabaya are treating the injured, while local volunteers and faith leaders are providing food, counseling, and emotional support for families waiting at the site.

 

NOTE: You can find out more about the current situation, number of dead victims, rescue effort and other media coverage  regarding to this horible tragedy your own way

 

What Caused the Collapse?
Preliminary investigations reveal that the building’s expansion project lacked proper construction permits and safety inspections. Engineers now believe that the foundation was too weak to bear the added weight of new upper floors.

Some local residents claimed that students themselves occasionally helped with construction work, a detail that authorities are still investigating. This tragedy has sparked national outrage and calls for stricter oversight of school construction projects, especially at Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), many of which are built or expanded by communities without proper engineering supervision.


A Call for Accountability and Reform
In response, Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs announced plans to strengthen construction standards for religious schools nationwide. Officials have promised immediate safety audits, technical training for pesantren administrators, and clearer permit procedures for future projects.

Experts warn that this disaster should serve as a wake-up call, not just for Indonesia but for developing nations worldwide, where informal construction practices remain common. “School buildings must be places of safety, not danger,” said a Jakarta-based structural engineer. “Every child deserves to learn without fear that the roof above them might collapse.”


A Global Reminder
Beyond the borders of Indonesia, this tragedy highlights a universal issue the urgent need for safe and responsible construction practices, especially in schools and public facilities.

The loss at Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School is not just an Indonesian story. It’s a human story. A story about children with dreams, parents with hope, and a community torn by preventable mistakes.

As rescue efforts continue, the world is watching not only in sorrow but also in determination that such a tragedy must never happen again.

Let’s make this tragedy mean something. Share this story, demand accountability, and raise awareness about the importance of safe school construction worldwide. Sign petitions and support organizations promoting safe infrastructure, Report unsafe building projects in your local community., Use your voice on social media to call for stronger safety regulations.

Together, we can make sure no student has to die because of negligence or weak construction.

May the victims of Al-Khoziny rest in peace. May their loss spark change that saves future generations and may this tragedy inspire real change to protect the lives of students everywhere. 

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"