Her remarks came following the collapse of Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java.
Arifah stressed that every child has the right to a safe and comfortable learning environment.
She said the incident in Sidoarjo serves as an important reminder for all parties to exercise greater caution when constructing educational facilities.
The PPPA Ministry confirmed it will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with the District Office of Women's Empowerment, Child Protection and Population (DP3AK), the Social Service, and other related agencies in East Java.
These efforts aim to ensure the fulfillment of students' rights, including physical health, psychological support, specific needs, and continuity of education after the disaster.
Arifah also expressed appreciation for the joint efforts of the Sidoarjo District Police, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), volunteers, and other stakeholders.
She said the spirit of mutual cooperation shown by all parties reflects national solidarity in times of crisis.
According to BNPB data as of Friday afternoon, a total of 111 victims had been found.
Of this number, 13 remain hospitalized, 89 have been discharged, nine were confirmed dead, and 54 are still being searched for.
The Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School building in Sidoarjo, East Java, collapsed on September 29, 2025, while hundreds of students were performing prayers in the ground-floor prayer room.
East Java Basarnas received a report of the incident around 3:35 p.m. local time, while concrete work had been underway since the morning.
"It is suspected that a weak foundation caused the building to collapse from the fourth floor down to the ground floor," Basarnas Deputy for Operations and Preparedness Edy Prakoso said.
Related news: Police turns to DNA testing to identify school collapse victims
Related news: Minister urges collective commitment to realize child-friendly city
Related news: World Patient Safety Day 2025 moment to boost child protection: BPOM
Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
