Indonesia School Collapse Death Toll Rises to 63 Amid Ongoing Recovery Efforts

Jakarta Updated October 6, 2025

The death toll from the collapse of an Islamic boarding school in Indonesia has risen to 63, officials confirmed on Monday, as rescue teams continued to recover victims from the debris of the multi-storey structure.

The tragic incident occurred at the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java, when part of the building suddenly gave way last week. At the time, more than 150 students had gathered for afternoon prayers, leading to a massive search and rescue operation that has gripped the nation.

Rescue and Recovery Operations Continue

Officials said that around six students remain unaccounted for, while efforts to locate them continued through Monday.

“We hope to conclude the recovery today and return the bodies to their families,” said Yudhi Bramantyo, Operations Director at Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).

Authorities, volunteers, and medical personnel have been working tirelessly at the site, often through difficult conditions, to retrieve those trapped under the rubble.

Deadliest Disaster in Indonesia This Year

The collapse has become Indonesia’s deadliest disaster of 2025 so far, according to Budi Irawan, Deputy Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

Investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing, but early findings point toward possible substandard construction practices, experts said.

“We are analyzing building materials and structural integrity to understand what went wrong,” one investigator noted.

Last Thursday, families of the missing victims gave permission for heavy machinery to be used in the rescue after the crucial 72-hour “golden period” for potential survivors had passed.

Concerns Over Building Safety in Indonesia

This tragedy has reignited nationwide concern over construction safety standards, particularly in religious schools and older public buildings. Lax regulations and poor-quality materials have been cited in previous incidents, prompting calls for stronger enforcement of building codes and safety inspections.

Government officials have vowed to conduct a comprehensive review of construction practices across the region to prevent future disasters.

A Nation in Mourning

As families gather to bury their loved ones, communities across Indonesia have expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims. Religious and civic leaders have urged authorities to ensure accountability and to improve safety in educational institutions nationwide.

The government is expected to announce support and compensation measures for affected families in the coming days.

Key Facts

Incident: Collapse of Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School, Sidoarjo, East Java
Death Toll: 63 confirmed
Missing: Around six still unaccounted for
Cause: Under investigation; early reports cite possible poor construction
Declared: Indonesia’s deadliest disaster of 2025