No Signs of Life Found at Collapsed Indonesian School, 59 Still Missing

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency

Rescuers have reported finding “no signs of life” under the wreckage of a collapsed Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, where 59 people remain missing, officials said Thursday.

The two-storey school, crowded with hundreds of students mostly teenage boys collapsed on Monday while two additional floors were under construction. At least five students were killed, and roughly 100 others injured. Since the disaster, 13 people have been freed from the rubble, though two later died in hospital.

Rescue efforts have been hampered by the building’s instability. Authorities had earlier reported hearing cries and shouting from under the debris, raising hopes for survivors. However, thermal drones used overnight failed to detect any signs of life.

“Scientifically, no signs of life were found,” said Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNBP), at a press conference. He explained that teams would now move to the next phase of operations, using heavy equipment to lift or cut concrete slabs a task previously delayed due to fears of further collapse.

Anxious relatives have remained at the site, holding out hope for their missing loved ones. “I am hoping for the best news, that my brother survives,” said Maulana Bayu Rizky Pratama, whose 17 year old brother is still unaccounted for. Ahmad Ikhsan, 52, expressed similar hope for his son.

Investigations revealed that the building’s foundation could not support the additional floors. Sidoarjo town authorities also said the school management had not obtained the necessary permits for the construction work.

The tragedy has highlighted safety concerns in rapidly developing areas, with questions now focusing on construction oversight and regulatory enforcement in Sidoarjo.