A large-scale rescue operation is underway in Sidoarjo, East Java, where at least 91 students are believed to be trapped under the rubble of a collapsed Islamic boarding school. The building at the Al Khoziny school came down during afternoon prayers on Monday, September 28, 2025, leaving three students dead and another 100 injured.
As the search entered its third day, emergency crews have made contact with a small group of survivors buried beneath the concrete, supplying them with food, water, and oxygen while working to reach them.
Key Takeaways
- An Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, collapsed on September 28, 2025.
- At least 91 students, mostly boys aged 12-18, remain missing and are feared trapped.
- The official death toll stands at three, with 100 others injured.
- Rescue teams have located six children alive and are working to extract them.
- The rescue is complicated by unstable debris and a recent 6.0 magnitude earthquake.
Massive Rescue Operation Underway in Sidoarjo
More than 300 rescue workers are on-site at the Al Khoziny boarding school, located approximately 670 kilometers (420 miles) east of Jakarta. The teams are engaged in a difficult search for dozens of students trapped since the century-old building collapsed.
Officials from Indonesia’s national Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) have identified 15 specific locations within the debris field where they are concentrating their efforts. Air Vice Marshal Mohammad Syafii, the head of Basarnas, told local media that six of these locations are strongly suspected to contain survivors.
In a sign of hope, rescuers established communication with six children trapped together in one area. Laksita Rini, head of the Fire and Rescue Department in the nearby city of Surabaya, confirmed that provisions and oxygen were being delivered to the group. "Once a specific location is identified, the chances of survival can be increased," she told CNN.
A Community in Waiting
Distraught family members have gathered at the site, anxiously waiting for news. A list of the missing students has been posted, adding to the tension as parents and relatives hope for a positive outcome. The students, primarily boys between 12 and 18, were in a prayer hall when the structure gave way.
Challenges Hamper Search for Survivors
The rescue operation faces significant obstacles that are slowing progress and increasing the risk for both the trapped students and the emergency crews. The primary concern is the instability of the collapsed structure.
Officials have avoided using heavy machinery to clear the debris, fearing it could cause further collapses and endanger anyone still alive beneath the rubble. Instead, teams are manually digging and creating small tunnels to navigate the wreckage.
"Rescue efforts are currently focused on manually digging holes and gaps to evacuate surviving victims," Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Authority (BPBD) said in a statement.
Compounding the problem, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Java island on Tuesday. According to Basarnas head Mohammad Syafii, the quake caused "the rubble structure to shift and placed survivors at greater risk."
Specialized Teams and Equipment Deployed
Special units from Basarnas and the Surabaya Fire and Rescue department have been brought in to assist with the complex operation. These teams are equipped with advanced technology to aid in the search.
Laksita Rini noted the deployment of highly specialized gear, including "a sophisticated search camera capable of detecting victims among the rubble, and a heart rate monitor that can detect the heartbeat of survivors."
Rescue Statistics So Far
- 80+ people: Escaped immediately after the collapse.
- 11 people: Pulled from the rubble by rescue teams.
- 3 people: Confirmed deceased after two rescued students died from their injuries.
Nanang Sigit, the lead search and rescue coordinator, told the Associated Press that teams have seen several bodies under the debris but are prioritizing the rescue of those who are still alive. "Although facing unstable building debris conditions and a lot of material at the site, the team continues to try to evacuate victims prioritizing safety," he said.
Investigation Focuses on Unpermitted Construction
While the immediate focus remains on the rescue, an investigation into the cause of the collapse has been launched. Initial reports suggest that unpermitted construction may have been a contributing factor.
According to Basarnas, a fourth floor was being added to the school building at the time of the incident. When the structure failed, all four floors collapsed on top of each other, trapping those in the prayer hall below.
Local authorities, cited by the Associated Press, stated that the construction work was being carried out without a proper permit. This has raised serious questions about building safety and oversight at educational institutions.
Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar visited the site and described the tragedy as a "wake-up call." In a statement reported by the Antara news agency, he said, "Many Islamic schools are built through community efforts without adequate technical supervision, which poses serious risks."