Jakarta, Indonesia | September 30, 2025
A devastating tragedy struck Indonesia on Monday when an Islamic school building collapsed during afternoon Namaz prayers, leaving at least 65 students feared trapped under the debris. The incident occurred in West Java province, where the under-construction building crumbled without warning, sparking panic and chaos.
According to the Associated Press, the victims were mostly students aged between 12 and 17 who had gathered inside the school’s prayer hall. The collapse killed one student on the spot, injured several others, and left dozens buried beneath massive slabs of concrete and bricks.
Scene of Chaos and Panic
Moments after the building came crashing down, terrified residents and parents rushed to the site. Eyewitnesses described scenes of heartbreak as families screamed their children’s names, desperately searching for signs of life.
Hospitals and nearby command posts were quickly set up to coordinate rescue efforts. A notice board displayed a growing list of missing students, triggering emotional breakdowns among parents. “My son’s name is on the list. O God, please help,” cried one distraught mother as rescuers worked tirelessly nearby.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue teams, including police, soldiers, and volunteers, immediately launched a night-long operation to save the trapped students. Eight injured students were successfully pulled out and rushed to hospitals for treatment.
However, the operation has proven extremely challenging. Search and rescue officer Nanang Sigit explained,
“We are hesitant to use heavy machinery because the structure is unstable. Any vibration can cause further collapse and endanger the students still trapped.”
To keep survivors alive, rescuers have been carefully drilling small holes through the rubble to deliver oxygen cylinders and water bottles to those buried underneath. Every moment counts as oxygen levels drop inside the wreckage.
Families Await in Anguish
Outside the school, families are gathered in silence, praying for a miracle. Some cling to each other for support, while others sit in stunned disbelief. A temporary shelter has been set up to provide food and blankets for waiting relatives.
Local mosques have also held special prayer sessions for the safety of the missing children, as the community comes together in grief and hope.
Authorities Launch Investigation
The provincial government has ordered a full investigation into the cause of the collapse. Preliminary reports suggest that the building was still under construction and may have had structural weaknesses. Experts have raised concerns about poor construction standards and lack of maintenance in many such educational institutions across Indonesia.
Minister of Public Works, Adi Rahman, stated,
“We will ensure that accountability is established. This tragedy must not be repeated. Every school building must meet safety standards.”
Indonesia’s Building Safety Concerns
Indonesia frequently experiences building collapses, often due to weak construction, unregulated expansions, or natural disasters like earthquakes. In recent years, the government has been under increasing pressure to enforce stricter safety codes for schools and public buildings.
This latest incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved monitoring and compliance with construction regulations, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
A Nation Holds Its Breath
As rescue operations continue into Tuesday, the entire nation watches with bated breath. For the families gathered at the site, every sound from the rubble brings a mix of hope and dread. For Indonesia, this is not just a structural failure — it’s a human tragedy that has shaken communities to their core.
