Indonesia Boarding School Collapse Highlights Widespread Structural Issues
Tragedy in East Java: Islamic Boarding School Collapse in Indonesia
In Indonesia’s East Java province, a horrific building collapse at the Al-Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo has transitioned from a rescue mission to a recovery operation. Initial reports confirm five fatalities, but with approximately 59 children still trapped under the rubble, the death toll could tragically rise to 64.
Structural Safety Concerns in Indonesian Buildings
The collapse occurred on Monday during afternoon prayers, when more than 100 children, mainly teenage boys, were on the lower floors. As the critical 72-hour window for rescuing survivors closes, rescue officials, with parental consent, are now utilizing heavy machinery to retrieve bodies.
This incident has spotlighted the broader issue of building safety across Indonesia. According to Rifqi Irvansyah of the Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC), the enforcement of building regulations varies significantly. “A tale of two different Indonesias,” he describes, wherein major cities like Jakarta and Surabaya adhere to strict permit requirements, whereas rural areas often bypass official processes due to financial or procedural barriers.
Building Regulations and Their Implementation
Local authorities mandate the acquisition of an Izin Mendirikan Bangunan (IMB) or Building Permit (PBG) to ensure construction safety. However, many constructions, especially in non-urban areas, forgo these permits. Mr. Irvansyah stresses that “limited public awareness and budget constraints” contribute to this widespread regulatory avoidance.
Commercial properties in urban areas are subjected to rigorous approval processes involving various experts, including seismic engineers and environmental specialists. Unfortunately, this is not uniformly applied across the country.
Systemic Issues in Construction Practices
The Sidoarjo regent, Subandi, confirmed that Al-Khoziny’s recent building extension lacked the necessary permits. The collapse ensued while concrete was poured on the third floor, which the unstable structure could not support. Many buildings, including religious institutions, proceed with construction work before securing safety approvals, which poses enormous risks.
Impact and Response to the Tragedy
The disaster has drawn attention to Indonesia’s vulnerability to structural failures, particularly in the absence of natural triggers like earthquakes. The national Disaster Mitigation Agency highlighted a technological failure in the construction as the collapse’s cause and underscored the need for stringent compliance with safety standards.
The scenario in Sidoarjo is painfully distressing for the families involved. Many rushed to the site, holding vigils and prayers for their children. For some, like Hamid from Madura, this tragedy has brought unbearable grief, fearing for her 17-year-old son, Syamsul Arifin.
National Efforts to Prevent Future Incidents
Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister, Nasaruddin Umar, has vowed to prioritize safety in the construction of Islamic boarding schools nationwide. Emphasizing the critical need for adherence to safety requirements, he stated, “We must not let something like this happen again.”
This incident serves as a crucial lesson on enforcing building regulations, especially in a country predisposed to seismic activity. As Mr. Irvansyah noted, unregulated structures are “a disaster waiting to happen,” highlighting the urgent need for systemic change in construction practices.
