He said the government’s decision reflects its commitment to ensuring safety in teaching and learning environments.
“The government regards efforts to guarantee safety in education as its responsibility and top priority. This step is a testament to the government’s presence,” Iskandar said at his office in Jakarta.
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The use of state funds, he added, aims to accelerate recovery and reconstruction following the disaster, which left 171 victims in total, including 104 survivors.
Responding to calls for legal action against those responsible for possible negligence, Iskandar said law enforcement would proceed alongside safety improvements.
“Our children are the future of this nation. Legal action over wrongdoing or negligence must be taken, but ensuring the safety of our young people in their studies is the most urgent matter,” he said.
Iskandar said President Prabowo Subianto has shown deep concern for Islamic boarding schools, which have long played a vital role in shaping the nation’s identity, even before Indonesia’s independence.
“The government shares responsibility for the welfare of pesantrens,” he said, noting that the schools embody the cooperative spirit central to Indonesian society.
He reiterated the need for strict safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
The building at Al Khoziny collapsed on September 29 during afternoon prayers, while many students were inside a prayer hall.
Following the collapse, President Prabowo ordered a nationwide evaluation of the structural integrity of pesantren buildings to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent future incidents.
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Translator: Sean F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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