Indonesia School Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 67 as Rescue Operations Conclude

The search for victims of last week’s school collapse in Indonesia ended on Tuesday, with officials confirming the death toll has reached 67.

The multi-storey Islamic boarding school on Java Island partially caved in on 29 September, while more than 170 students were gathered for afternoon prayers.

Search and Rescue Operations

The head of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Mohammad Syafii, announced the conclusion of operations:

“Entering the ninth day, we have concluded the search and rescue operation for the victims.”

The agency’s operations director, Yudhi Bramantyo, said that rescuers had cleared all the rubble, scoured the area thoroughly, and determined it was highly unlikely any additional bodies would be found.

• Evacuated victims: 171
• Deceased: 67 (including eight body parts)
• Survivors: 104

“The total number of victims evacuated is 171, with 67 people dead, including eight body parts, and 104 people survived,” Yudhi confirmed.

Budi Irawan, deputy head of the National Disaster Agency (BNPB), added that it is “very unlikely there are still bodies there.”

So far, only 17 bodies have been formally identified, according to the police’s Disaster Victim Identification unit.

Scale of the Disaster

The collapse is considered Indonesia’s deadliest disaster in 2025, according to the BNPB.

Investigators are examining the cause, and initial indications point to substandard construction as a contributing factor. The incident has raised widespread concerns about building safety in the country.

Last Thursday, the families of the missing agreed to the use of heavy equipment, after the 72-hour “golden period” for survival had ended.

Indonesia has faced similar tragedies recently: in September, a prayer hall in West Java collapsed, killing at least three and injuring dozens.

The tragedy has renewed calls for stricter construction standards in Indonesia, highlighting the risks posed by lax regulations and oversight.

The school collapse remains a somber reminder of the vulnerability of public buildings in the region, with authorities vowing to prevent similar incidents in the future.