Madrasa Collapse in Indonesia Claims 36 Lives, Dozens Missing

Hindu Voice Team: A devastating structural failure at a madrasa in Sidoarjo, East Java, left at least 36 people dead and scores more missing, shaking the community and prompting urgent calls for accountability. The incident occurred during the Asr prayer, when hundreds of students and teachers were gathered inside the building.

According to Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), rescue teams have retrieved 141 individuals from the rubble, including 104 survivors and 36 confirmed fatalities. Twenty-seven people remain unaccounted for, and authorities warn that the death toll could rise as recovery efforts continue under challenging conditions.

Basarnas Operations Director Yudi Bramanto revealed that heavy machinery has been deployed to aid the search, following approval from victims’ families. “We are doing everything possible, but the risk of further casualties is high due to the building’s collapse and unstable debris,” he said.

Preliminary investigations indicate that substandard construction materials and poor building oversight may have contributed to the tragedy. Witnesses reported that the structure shook violently before collapsing, leaving many trapped beneath tons of concrete and timber.

Local officials have expressed deep concern over safety standards, emphasizing that stronger regulations are urgently needed to prevent similar disasters. The madrasa collapse has sparked widespread outrage across Indonesia, with communities and religious leaders demanding justice and comprehensive safety reforms.

This incident highlights the ongoing need for rigorous enforcement of building codes, especially in educational and religious institutions where large gatherings are routine. Authorities have pledged to investigate thoroughly and hold responsible parties accountable.