The Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission VIII (DPR) has called for urgent accountability following the collapse of a prominent Islamic boarding school (Ponpes) in Sidoarjo, East Java. The tragic incident, which occurred last week, resulted in the death of multiple students and injuries to dozens more.
During a parliamentary hearing, Commission VIII members highlighted severe lapses in construction oversight, building permits, and safety protocols. Lawmakers emphasized that such disasters are preventable if proper checks and enforcement mechanisms are applied consistently.
“The government and responsible parties must be held accountable for this tragic collapse,” said a Commission VIII spokesperson. “We are committed to identifying all parties whose negligence contributed to this incident.”
Investigation Points to Structural Failures
Preliminary assessments indicate that structural weaknesses may have been a major factor behind the collapse. Engineers and building inspectors noted substandard materials, improper load calculations, and potential design flaws as likely contributors.
Local authorities have initiated further investigations to verify whether the Ponpes had obtained all required permits and whether construction adhered to national building codes and safety standards. Evidence is being collected from contractors, architects, and the boarding school administration.
Experts warn that in densely populated educational facilities, any compromise in construction standards can lead to catastrophic consequences, as seen in Sidoarjo. The collapse has sparked renewed public discussion about regulatory oversight of educational buildings in Indonesia.
Government and Community Response
Following the incident, local government officials have pledged full support for victims and their families. Emergency services were mobilized immediately to conduct search and rescue operations, while medical teams treated dozens of injured students.
Meanwhile, public concern has grown over whether regulatory authorities failed to enforce construction codes effectively. Several NGOs and civil society organizations are now calling for independent audits of Islamic boarding schools nationwide to prevent similar disasters in the future.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has also issued a statement expressing condolences and promising cooperation with DPR Commission VIII to strengthen safety protocols and monitoring systems.
Calls for Legal and Administrative Accountability
Parliamentarians from Commission VIII stressed that accountability must extend to all relevant parties, including:
-
Contractors and construction firms responsible for the Ponpes structure
-
Architects and engineers who approved the building plans
-
School administrators who may have overlooked safety compliance
-
Local authorities tasked with enforcing building regulations
Legal experts note that negligence or failure to comply with safety standards could lead to criminal charges, civil liability, and administrative sanctions. The DPR has indicated that it will follow up with concrete legislative and oversight measures to prevent similar incidents.
Community leaders in Sidoarjo have urged swift action, warning that public trust in educational institutions depends on the transparent handling of the collapse investigation. Local residents are also calling for compensation and long-term support for victims and families affected by the disaster.
The Sidoarjo Ponpes collapse highlights the ongoing need for rigorous safety enforcement, construction monitoring, and accountability in Indonesia’s educational infrastructure, emphasizing that prevention is key to saving lives.
