What's happened
Rescue efforts at the Al Khoziny Islamic school in East Java concluded after recovering at least 67 victims, with authorities citing structural failure due to illegal construction as the cause. Over 100 survivors were rescued, and the disaster is Indonesia's deadliest this year.
What's behind the headline?
The disaster underscores the systemic failure of Indonesia’s building regulation enforcement, especially in the context of pesantren, which are often built without permits. The collapse was likely triggered by illegal extensions that compromised the foundation, reflecting broader issues of substandard construction and regulatory neglect. The incident will likely prompt increased scrutiny of building permits and safety standards, but enforcement remains a challenge. The tragedy also exposes the vulnerability of Indonesia’s educational infrastructure, particularly in religious schools, which serve millions but often lack proper oversight. The rescue operation’s conclusion marks a grim milestone, but the underlying issues of construction safety and regulatory compliance will persist unless addressed through comprehensive policy reforms.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that the rescue operation officially ended after retrieving more than 60 bodies, with authorities citing illegal construction as the cause. Al Jazeera emphasizes the role of unauthorized work on the upper floors, which led to the collapse. Both sources highlight Indonesia’s widespread issues with unpermitted pesantren buildings, with only 50 out of 42,000 having permits. The Guardian notes the emotional toll on families and the ongoing identification efforts, while Al Jazeera discusses the broader safety concerns and potential policy implications. The coverage from both outlets converges on the systemic nature of the problem, but The Guardian provides more detail on the legal context and the aftermath for families, whereas Al Jazeera focuses on the investigation and safety standards.
How we got here
The collapse occurred on September 29 during afternoon prayers, caused by unauthorized construction work on the school’s upper floors. Indonesia has widespread issues with illegal building practices, especially among pesantren, with only a small fraction holding proper permits. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about building safety standards and enforcement in the country.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Caused the Indonesia School Collapse?
The tragic collapse of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in East Java has raised urgent questions about building safety and construction practices in Indonesia. Many wonder what led to this disaster and what measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents. Below, we explore the causes, safety concerns, and ongoing investigations related to this devastating event.
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How Are Countries Responding to Major Disasters?
When disasters strike, countries around the world mobilize their resources and expertise to respond effectively. From rescue operations to international aid, understanding how nations handle emergencies can shed light on global safety efforts. Below, we explore how Indonesia is managing the aftermath of a deadly school collapse, what other countries are doing in similar situations, and what lessons are being learned to prevent future tragedies.
More on these topics
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East Java is a province of Indonesia. It has a land border only with the province of Central Java to the west; the Java Sea and the Indian Ocean border its northern and southern coasts, respectively, while the narrow Bali Strait to the east separates Java
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Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of more than seventeen thousand islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Indonesia i