The collapse of the Indonesian school in East Java has claimed at least 63 lives, with the authorities accusing illegal construction in Indonesia of the accident. The tragedy happened in the Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School, where a three-storey dormant building collapsed during evening prayers. Local rescue teams and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency affirmed that dozens of victims were students between the ages of 10 and 17.
The building fell down and students and teachers were under several tonnes of debris. Teams trying to rescue victims did this all night, and the downpour complicated the situation. According to the national search and rescue agency, the building had not been appropriately inspected before it was occupied.
Cited Causes by officials: Poor Construction Practices
Researchers have claimed that the unlawful construction Indonesia has engaged in has also led to the failure of the structure. The government disclosed that the establishment was not well permitted and was constructed with low-grade materials. The design of the dormitory is reportedly not in line with the safety requirements of the multi-storey buildings.
Officials of the Public Works and Housing department attested that the building was constructed without the oversight of licensed engineers. Reinforcement materials, like steel bars and concrete quality, did not comply with the national standards. The agency said that it was reviewing several other similar unregistered constructions in East Java to avoid more tragedies.
Rescue Operation and Continuous Recovery
The Indonesian school collapse rescue efforts took several days before the rescue teams could give up, since they relied on excavators and thermal imaging devices to locate the school victims. Indonesian Red Cross was an organisation that delivered psychological assistance and medical aid to families. At least 45 of the injured survivors were taken to the local hospitals, some of them in critical condition.
Local authorities got volunteers who were involved in the distribution of food and shelter to displaced families. The Sidoarjo Regency evacuation site has also since been used by more than 100 students as a temporary shelter. Authorities raised the issue of sanitation and trauma care, and urged the continued humanitarian aid to survivors.
The Government Institutes Building Inspections throughout the whole country
As a result of the illegal building crisis, which hit Indonesia, President Joko Widodo ordered all boarding schools and educational establishments in the country to be inspected immediately. The Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Religious Affairs are working together to determine which buildings are unsafe.
The local governments have also been ordered to close down schools that are running without legitimate construction permits. It was also cautioned that legal measures would be taken against the violators of the national laws on safety by builders and owners. According to experts, fast urbanisation in Indonesia has resulted in uncontrolled construction, especially in rural areas.
Societies Are Holding them to Task
The families of victims are seeking accountability and transparency from the local authorities. A lot of the parents were angry at the fact that there was no control to enable the unsafe dormitory to operate. The civil society groups have encouraged the government to enforce more building rules and to impose more sanctions on those who fail to comply.
Families of victims gather to pray at the site of the Indonesia school collapse in Sidoarjo Regency.
Two people suspected of being the engineers of the construction of the dormitory have been arrested by the law enforcement agencies. The building materials and structural plans are undergoing forensic tests by the police. The outcomes will be used to identify possible negligence and safety code violations.
Greater Fears about the Indonesian Building Safety
The Indonesian building disaster has brought back the issue of the safety of learning institutions in the country. Experts are concerned that illegal or loosely-regulated construction still poses serious threats to the lives of thousands of students. Numerous rural schools and religious boarding schools are constructed on community donations and do not get formal approvals.
Urban planners have put pressure on the authorities to come up with more stringent inspection controls and mass education campaigns. The Ministry of Education stated that it will revise school building safety measures. There is also mobilisation of engineers and architects to evaluate the structural integrity of the public institutions.
Also Read: Cinnabuns Trademark Dispute Erupts As Cinnabon Legal Action Unfolds
Final Thoughts
The Indonesian school collapse in East Java has revealed the basic flaws in construction control and implementation. The tragedy is an important wake-up call regarding the dire necessity of change in illegal construction in Indonesia, as families grieve over the death of 63 people. As investigations continue and Indonesia’s building inspections are going on, the governments are developing pressure to avoid the recurrence of another Indonesian building disaster.
FAQs — Indonesia School Collapse and Illegal Construction Indonesia
Q1: What caused the Indonesia school collapse in East Java?
Authorities reported that the collapse was caused by illegal construction Indonesia practices. The building lacked permits and used substandard materials that did not comply with national safety codes.
Q2: How many people died in the Indonesia school collapse?
At least 63 people were confirmed dead following the collapse of the Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School dormitory in East Java. Many of the victims were students.
Q3: Was the collapsed school building legally approved?
No. Investigations revealed that the dormitory was built without official permits or inspection from licensed engineers, making it an example of illegal construction Indonesia.
4: What action has the Indonesian government taken after the tragedy?
President Joko Widodo ordered nationwide inspections of all educational facilities to ensure structural safety. Local authorities were instructed to close unlicensed schools and prosecute those responsible for unsafe buildings.
5: Who is being held accountable for the Indonesia school collapse?
Police have detained two individuals linked to the construction of the collapsed dormitory. Authorities are conducting forensic tests on materials and records to determine legal responsibility.
6: What measures are being taken to prevent another Indonesia building disaster?
The government plans to strengthen building inspections, improve safety standards, and enforce stricter penalties against illegal construction across Indonesia.
7: How are survivors and families being supported?
The Indonesian Red Cross and local agencies are providing medical care, counselling, and temporary housing for affected students and families in East Java.
