Tragic Collapse at Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding school in Sidoarjo: A Community in Mourning

in the city of sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, a devastating structural failure occurred at the Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School when its upper floors gave way amid ongoing construction. Sixteen-year-old Muhammad Royhan Firdaus had just finished his prayers on the frist floor when concrete debris suddenly began to fall around him and dozens of other students aged 12 to 18.

Immediate Aftermath: Panic and Injuries

Mistaking the initial tremors for an earthquake, Muhammad and his peers rushed to escape as chunks of concrete rained down. Although adrenaline initially masked his pain during evacuation, he later discovered he had sustained a broken leg and a severely fractured shoulder that required surgical repair with metal pins at Siti Fajar Hospital.

Understanding the Collapse: Structural Failures Under Construction Stress

The catastrophe was caused by heavy concrete pouring on two newly added upper levels.This excessive load led to a progressive “pancake” collapse-where floors sequentially fell onto one another-resulting in catastrophic failure.Over 100 students managed to evacuate safely; however, rescue teams confirmed that at least 40 individuals lost their lives while approximately 27 remain missing beneath the rubble. Recent search efforts using thermal imaging drones have failed to detect any signs of survivors.

Engineering Flaws Behind the Disaster

Civil engineers reviewing site images suggest that insufficient structural support played a critical role in this tragedy. Vibrations from wet cement combined with undersized pillars likely compromised load-bearing capacity. This reflects a widespread issue across Indonesia where vertical expansions are often undertaken without extensive planning or reinforcement-a practice locally known as “living structures.”

The school was reportedly constructing new prayer rooms and ablution facilities on these upper floors while daily activities continued below-a hazardous approach experts warn against since no occupants should be present during major construction phases.

A Resilient Community Rooted in Faith Amidst Loss

Despite profound grief, many parents remain resolute to send their children back once rebuilding is complete. Muhammad’s mother expressed no fear about returning her son to study there again, viewing this incident as an unfortunate accident rather than negligence or intentional wrongdoing.

This viewpoint is deeply embedded within Indonesian pesantren culture-religious boarding schools like Al-Khoziny serve as vital centers blending spiritual education with secular learning for conservative communities nationwide. In East Java alone, nearly 7,500 pesantren educate tens of thousands under respected spiritual leaders called kyai or ustadz who wield meaningful influence over family decisions.

The Influence of Spiritual Leaders on Community Outlooks

Kyai are revered not only as educators but also as trusted spiritual guides whose wisdom shapes community responses profoundly-even encouraging acceptance through theological understanding rather than assigning blame after tragedies.

“These institutions act like ‘a sacred canopy,’ providing psychological shelter that fosters deep loyalty among families,” note sociologists studying religious communities nearby Malang city.

A heritage Steeped in Religious Significance and History

Established nearly a century ago in 1927, Al-Khoziny maintains strong ties with Nahdlatul Ulama-the world’s largest Muslim organization-and has nurtured many influential figures shaping modern Indonesian Islam. Its dual role as both an educational hub and spiritual sanctuary strengthens community bonds despite recent hardships.

A Father’s Vigil: Holding Onto Hope Amid Uncertainty

Muhammad ali sent his son Muhammad Fajri Ali-who remains missing-to attend Al-Khoziny following family tradition just like himself years ago. As learning about the collapse early Monday morning via social media updates, he has stayed close by praying fervently for miracles while trusting divine will over human error.

“We met sincerely apologetic school leaders,” Muhammad ali shared. “As grieving parents united spiritually rather than divided by blame-we accept this was God’s will.”

The Critical Need for Enhanced Safety Standards Across Pesantren facilities

• Indonesia is home to more than 30,000 pesantren nationwide;
• Lax regulations during expansions threaten building stability;
• No active use should occur amid heavy construction work;
• Civil engineers call for stricter oversight on modifications;
• Sustained safety protocols can prevent future disasters while preserving cultural heritage;

Towards Safer Educational Spaces Without Sacrificing Tradition

this heartbreaking event highlights how essential it is for pesantren administrators alongside government bodies to enforce rigorous safety measures tailored specifically for these unique institutions balancing tradition with modern educational demands.
By incorporating expert civil engineering evaluations before renovations or expansions-and mandating temporary closures during such projects-the risks posed by “living structures” can be significantly reduced without undermining pesantrens’ indispensable role within indonesian society today.