Parents mourn loss after tragic school collapse in Indonesia without assigning blame.
Sidoarjo, Indonesia – A tragic accident unfolded at the Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java, when a structural collapse occurred as students were engaged in prayer. Sixteen-year-old Muhammad Royhan Firdaus recounted the moment when debris began to fall around him, prompting a desperate scramble for safety.
Contrary to initial fears of an earthquake, it became clear that the collapse was caused by ongoing construction work at the school, where heavy concrete was being poured on the upper floors. The weight led to a catastrophic failure of the structure, described by officials as a “pancake” collapse. Muhammad, in a courageous attempt to escape, sustained serious injuries, including a broken leg and a shoulder fracture that required surgical intervention.
While over 100 students managed to escape the building, the incident resulted in the tragic loss of at least 40 lives, with rescue operations ongoing to locate around 27 more students believed to be trapped. The deployment of thermal drones announced on Thursday confirmed “no further signs of life,” intensifying the community’s grief.
In the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, discussions have emerged regarding the safety protocols surrounding the school’s construction. However, many parents, including Muhammad’s mother, Yuni, expressed no hesitations about sending their children back to the school once it is rebuilt. Yuni characterized the incident as a tragic accident, emphasizing her desire not to assign blame to the school authorities.
This reflects a broader cultural context in which Islamic boarding schools, or pesantren, hold significant positions in Indonesian society. Syamsul Arifin, a sociology of religion professor, highlights the vital role these institutions play in conservative communities, where respect for educational leaders often inhibits critical scrutiny. Families view these schools as sacred environments that foster their children’s spiritual and intellectual growth.
Al-Khoziny, established in 1927, serves as a bastion of traditional religious education in East Java, teaching both Islamic and secular subjects. The influence of prominent religious figures who have been aligned with the institution has further solidified its role as a center for religious knowledge.
As the community grapples with the emotional aftermath of this tragedy, many are uniting in hope and resilience. Parents of the missing students, like Muhammad Ali, who has been camped at the site since the event, are cherishing their bonds with the school rather than sowing discord. He expressed a desire for a miracle, while also affirming that he and other parents decided collectively not to shift blame onto the school management.
In light of this calamity, experts like Mohammad Abduh, a civil engineering lecturer, have begun analyzing the root causes of the incident. He underscores the need for stringent safety measures during construction, particularly in structures that house young students.
As the Sidoarjo community confronts the long road to recovery, the enduring spirit of compassion and togetherness remains resolute, showcasing the strength of familial and educational values ingrained in Islamic teachings.
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