Al-Khoziny Pesantren Tragedy: Between Dust, Tears, and Prayers

JOICE FITRA AZKA (30802300028)

Tears and prayers mingled as the news of the collapse of the Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java, broke the community’s heart. On Monday afternoon, September 29, 2025, just as students were preparing for the Asr prayer, the sound of crumbling concrete shattered the calm. Fifty-nine people were reported trapped beneath the rubble, some still clinging to a thin thread of hope. In an instant, a place meant for learning and peace turned into a scene of sorrow and despair.

Figure. 1

Source: Patoppoi. 2025

At the site, rescue teams struggled amid the dust and debris, racing against time to save every possible life. Each moment was filled with tension and prayer. One by one, victims were pulled from the ruins—some greeted by tears of relief, others by the deep mourning of loss. The collapsed walls and shattered classrooms stood as silent witnesses to how fragile safety can be in a place that should have been secure for children.

Figure. 2
Source: AP Photo/Trisnadi. Liputan6.com. 2025.

This tragedy has left not only physical damage but also deep psychological wounds for students, teachers, and families. The school, once filled with the sound of Qur’anic recitations, now stands in silence. Yet amid the heartbreak, solidarity blossomed: local residents, volunteers, and government teams worked hand in hand to provide help. Emergency tents were set up, and prayers continued to echo, asking for strength and healing.

According to local authorities, investigations are still underway to determine the cause of the collapse. Early reports suggest that structural weaknesses and heavy rainfall may have contributed to the tragedy. The government has promised to inspect other Islamic boarding schools to ensure their safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The tragedy at Al-Khoziny is a painful reminder that the safety and quality of educational buildings are not mere administrative matters—they are matters of life and death. Beneath the dust and tears lies a shared prayer: that no more students will have to learn their lessons beneath the shadow of disaster.