Deadly collapse at Indonesia Islamic school draws scrutiny on old tradition

Key Concepts:

• Alkozan Islamic Boarding School Collapse
• Roan (Student Labor in Construction)
• Building Permits for Pesantren
• Pesantren Oversight and Regulation
• Legal Accountability for Building Safety

Alkozan Islamic Boarding School Collapse and its Wider Implications

On September 29th, a tragic incident occurred at the Alkozan Islamic Boarding School in Siduar Joe, East Java, where a four-story building collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 67 boys, some as young as 13, who were performing afternoon prayers. Investigations revealed that the building lacked a permit, and alarmingly, students themselves were involved in its construction. This event has drawn international attention, highlighting a systemic issue within Indonesia's vast network of Islamic boarding schools, known as pesantren.

The Nationwide Issue of Pesantren and Building Permits

The collapse at Alkozan is not an isolated incident but rather indicative of a nationwide problem. Indonesia has over 42,000 pesantren, educating millions of students. However, a staggering majority of these institutions operate without legal building permits, with only 51 schools nationwide possessing them. This lack of proper authorization raises significant concerns about the safety and structural integrity of these educational facilities.

The Tradition of Roan and its Risks

A contributing factor to the unsafe construction practices is the tradition of "Roan," where students participate in the construction of school buildings. While intended to impart skills and foster character development, Roan often occurs without adequate supervision. This practice was questioned in the context of the Alkozan collapse, with concerns raised about ongoing construction activities within the building while it was occupied. Families of the victims have reportedly sought answers from the school's management regarding this, but have not received satisfactory responses.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The Alkozan boarding school is currently under investigation. Authorities have formed a team to conduct a thorough inquiry based on police reports. The investigation is focusing on potential violations of Article 46, paragraph 3, and/or Article 47, paragraph 2 of Law Number 28 of 2002 concerning Building Management, specifically regarding the fulfillment of technical building requirements.

Challenges to Accountability and Hope for Justice

Despite the ongoing investigation, there are concerns that justice may not be fully served due to the significant influence of pesantren leaders within local communities and national politics. In East Java alone, 179 pesantren are currently in operation, with most still lacking permits. Amidst promises of audits and enforcement measures, families of the victims are hopeful that accountability will be established and that those responsible will be held liable. They emphasize the need for accountability from the management and foundation of the school, leaving the determination of who will be charged as a suspect to the regional police. The overarching sentiment is that such a tragedy must not be repeated.

Conclusion

The collapse of the Alkozan Islamic Boarding School serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for improved safety standards, proper permitting, and effective oversight of pesantren across Indonesia. The tradition of Roan, while well-intentioned, requires stringent supervision to prevent future tragedies. The legal investigations and the pursuit of accountability are crucial steps towards ensuring the safety and well-being of the millions of students who rely on these institutions for their education.