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#Education #Public Health #Human Rights #Corruption & Accountability

How 13-year-old Haikal survived Indonesia’s deadly boarding school collapse

A school collapse in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, trapped students during prayers, leading to a desperate rescue effort that lasted three days.
How 13-year-old Haikal survived Indonesia’s deadly boarding school collapse
A What happened
On October 3, 2025, the Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java, collapsed during afternoon prayers, trapping many students inside. Among them was 13-year-old Haikal, whose mother, Dewi Ajeng, received the news while at home. After a frantic search, she learned that her son was among those trapped. Rescuers faced significant challenges, as Haikal was stuck in an air pocket beneath debris, blocked by the body of a friend. After three days, rescuers managed to reach him, providing food and water during the ordeal. Haikal remained calm, recalling lessons on conserving energy, and encouraged his friends to stay hopeful. The collapse was later confirmed to be caused by excessive weight from construction work on an upper floor. Haikal is currently in intensive care, and his mother is focused on his recovery and future schooling.

Key insights

  • 1

    Rescue Efforts

    Rescue teams worked tirelessly for three days to reach trapped students.

  • 2

    Survival Story

    Haikal's calmness and resourcefulness helped him survive the ordeal.

  • 3

    Building Collapse Causes

    The collapse was attributed to construction work on an upper floor.

Takeaways

The incident highlights the urgent need for improved safety regulations in school construction.