Indonesia School Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 37 as Rescue Efforts Continue

Indonesia School Collapse: 37 Dead as Rescuers Race Against Time

Rescue operations continue amid rising toll

The death toll from the Indonesia school collapse on Java Island climbed to 37 on Sunday as rescue teams continued digging through the rubble to find survivors. The tragedy occurred when part of a multi-storey school building suddenly collapsed during afternoon prayers on Monday.

Yudhi Bramantyo, operations director at the National Search and Rescue Agency, said in a statement that 141 victims had been recovered so far — 104 survivors and 37 dead, while 26 remain missing. One of the fatalities included a body part retrieved from the debris on Saturday, officials confirmed.

Search efforts 60% complete

Budi Irawan, a senior official from Indonesia’s national disaster agency, said the recovery operation was about 60% complete, expressing hope that the site would be fully cleared soon. “Our goal is to have everything levelled by tomorrow so we can determine the final number of victims,” he said during a livestreamed briefing.

Local rescue agency head Nanang Sigit separately confirmed the updated death toll, while emphasizing that teams are working carefully to avoid further collapses.

National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) confirmed that rescue teams are coordinating with engineers to stabilize unsafe areas before using heavy machiner

Possible cause under investigation

Authorities have begun investigating the cause of the collapse, with initial findings suggesting substandard construction as a likely factor. Structural experts have joined the probe to examine the building’s foundation and materials.

Rescue officials noted that the operation was highly complex, as vibrations in one section of the site could destabilize other areas. After the 72-hour “golden period” for survival passed, families of the missing agreed to allow the use of heavy machinery to speed up the process.

Families await closure

The Indonesia rescue operation has drawn national attention, with grieving families gathering near the site, waiting for news of their loved ones. Officials say psychological support is being provided to relatives affected by the tragedy, while reconstruction and safety audits for nearby schools are expected to follow once the recovery mission concludes.

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