Rescuers in Indonesia Race to Save Students Trapped by Deadly School Collapse

Heartbreaking Race Against Time: Dozens of Students Trapped After Indonesian School Collapse

Rescue Teams Scramble as Islamic Boarding School Crumbles During Prayer

In a devastating incident that has gripped Indonesia, a multi-story Islamic boarding school collapsed during evening prayers on Monday, killing at least three children and leaving more than 30 students missing. Emergency crews are working around the clock in West Java to locate survivors buried under tons of concrete and debris.

Rescuers searching through rubble of collapsed school in Indonesia

What Happened?

The collapse occurred at the Al-Hikmah Islamic boarding school in Cianjur, West Java—a region prone to seismic activity. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud cracking sound before the building’s upper floors gave way during Maghrib prayer, a time when dozens of students and staff gather in communal worship.

Local authorities say poor construction and possible structural fatigue may have contributed to the disaster, though a full investigation is pending.

Rescue Efforts Underway

More than 200 emergency personnel—including military engineers, sniffer dogs, and volunteers—are combing through the wreckage. Heavy rain and unstable rubble have slowed progress, but hope remains as rescuers detect faint tapping sounds from beneath the debris.

Key Facts: Indonesia School Collapse

Detail Information
Location Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School, Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia
Date & Time September 29, 2025, during evening prayer (~6:30 PM local time)
Confirmed Deaths 3 children
Missing At least 30 students
Rescue Teams Deployed 200+ personnel, including national disaster agency (BNPB) and military
Possible Causes Structural weakness, substandard materials, seismic activity

Community in Mourning

Families have gathered near the site, holding vigils and praying for survivors. Many students at the school come from low-income rural families who rely on religious boarding schools for affordable education and housing.

  • Average age of students: 12–17 years
  • Building age: Estimated 15+ years, with no recent safety inspections
  • Region’s seismic risk: High—Cianjur experienced a deadly 5.6-magnitude quake in 2022

“We sent our son here for safety and education,” said one weeping parent. “Now we don’t even know if he’s alive.” [INTERNAL_LINK:indonesia-disaster-response]

Government Response

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a nationwide inspection of all religious and public school buildings, especially in earthquake-prone zones. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has pledged emergency funds for victim families and reconstruction.

Sources

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