Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government is inspecting the structural safety of Islamic boarding schools following the collapse of a building at Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java, which claimed 54 lives.

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar said on Monday that the inspections aim to prevent similar incidents and protect students' lives.

He added that his ministry will work with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure prompt inspections and adherence to public building construction standards.

Iskandar said the initiative follows President Prabowo Subianto's directive to guarantee the safety of all students at Islamic boarding schools.

He emphasized that ensuring the safety and security of students is crucial to fostering an empowered and independent society.

"The president wants every child studying at Islamic boarding schools to be safe and protected. These schools have long supported community empowerment, so the students' safety must be guaranteed," Iskandar remarked.

The government is also exploring mechanisms to assist in constructing and renovating school buildings to ensure safety and durability, he said.

"We will coordinate with the Ministry of Public Works to help schools that are building or renovating facilities, providing technical support to ensure structural safety," Iskandar added.

The prayer room on the third floor of Al Khoziny collapsed on September 29 during renovations, trapping hundreds of students who were praying in congregation.

More than 400 search and rescue (SAR) personnel were deployed to assist in evacuations, but efforts were hindered by unstable structures and the risk of further collapse.

According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), as of Monday afternoon, 54 people had died, six remained hospitalized, and 97 others had completed treatment.

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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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