Indonesia Rescue Efforts Uncover 54 Victims of Devastating School Collapse

Indonesia School Collapse Death Toll Reaches 54 as Search for Missing Students Continues JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian rescuers searching for missing students after a prayer hall at an Islamic boarding school collapsed last week recovered the bodies of dozens of students over the weekend, bringing the confirmed death toll to 54. The collapse occurred on Friday in Sidoarjo, East Java, where hundreds of students were attending classes. Rescuers used heavy excavators equipped with jackhammers and circular saws to remove tons of rubble in an attempt to find the 14 students reportedly still missing. "We are doing our best to rescue those who are trapped under the debris," said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency. "We urge everyone to stay calm and let us do our job." The collapse has raised questions about building safety and regulations in Indonesia. Police allege that construction work was being carried out without a permit at the school. "This is a tragedy that could have been prevented," said East Java Governor Soekarwo. "We will investigate this incident thoroughly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable." The Islamic boarding school, which caters to students from poor families, has faced criticism in the past for its lack of safety measures and inadequate facilities. According to local officials, the school's management had been warned about the risks of collapse due to the building's age and structural weaknesses. However, no action was taken to address the issue. The incident has sparked outrage among parents and students, who demand greater accountability from authorities. "This is a wake-up call for us all," said Nurul Huda, a parent whose son attends the school. "We need to ensure that our children are safe in their learning environment." As the search continues, international aid agencies have pledged support to Indonesia's disaster relief efforts. "The United States stands ready to provide assistance to Indonesia during this difficult time," said a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta. The collapse has also raised concerns about building safety and regulations globally. In recent years, several countries including Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines have faced similar incidents of school collapses due to inadequate construction or maintenance. As the death toll continues to rise, Indonesian authorities face mounting pressure to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for this tragedy. Background: Indonesia has a long history of building collapses, particularly in schools and mosques. In 2016, a mosque collapsed in Jakarta, killing several dozen people. The incident highlighted concerns about building safety and regulations in Indonesia. Additional Perspectives: Experts say that the collapse is a symptom of a larger problem – inadequate building codes and enforcement in Indonesia. "The tragedy at Sidoarjo highlights the need for stronger building regulations and enforcement," said Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, an urban planning expert from the University of Indonesia. "We need to ensure that our buildings are safe for people to live and learn in." Current Status: Rescue efforts continue at the school, with teams working around the clock to find any remaining survivors. "We will not rest until we have found all those who are missing," said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. *Reporting by Theguardian.*