Sidoarjo, East Java. Rescue efforts at the collapsed Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo entered a new phase on Thursday, as authorities began using heavy machinery to clear rubble with around 30 students still missing three days after the tragedy.

The decision to shift from rescue to recovery operations came after a closed-door meeting with parents, where officials explained that no signs of life had been detected beneath the debris. The announcement sparked grief and hysteria at the site, with many parents, especially mothers, seen crying uncontrollably; some even fainted.

“I accept this decision, though it is painful,” said Fatimatus Zahro, a woman from Pangkalpinang whose nephew, Muhammad Nasriudin, remains missing. “What matters is that all students are found, whether alive or not. We still pray that some may be rescued.”

Collapse During Renovation
The three-story building collapsed on September 29, during concrete work to expand the structure from a single-story to three floors. At the time, around 140 students were inside on the ground floor for prayers and lessons.

Rescuers managed to save 103 students and later recovered five bodies. But hopes of finding survivors dwindled after 72 hours of advanced search operations using specialized detection devices failed to locate signs of life.

Suharyanto, head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), confirmed that 219 personnel, backed by five excavators, 30 dump trucks, and 30 ambulances, are now deployed at the site. Hundreds of body bags have also been prepared.

Safety and Permit Questions
The tragedy has triggered public anger at the school’s management and the contractor overseeing the expansion.

Sidoarjo Regent Subandi revealed that the building renovation had no construction permit, despite being designed to accommodate hundreds of students.

Structural engineering expert Mudji Irmawan from Surabaya Institute of Technology (ITS) said the collapse was likely caused by excessive loading. “The building was originally designed for one floor. Forcing it into three floors increased the structural load by 200–300 percent, which the base levels could not withstand,” he told local media.

Mudji also criticized the decision to continue holding classes during the renovation. “An unfinished structure is inherently unstable, yet the ground floor was still being used for learning activities,” he said.

Police are investigating the case but have yet to name suspects. Authorities have pledged accountability as grieving families demand justice and answers over the deadly collapse.