Indonesia Ends Search at Collapsed School With 67 Dead

Narrative A

This tragedy is a wake-up call. Indonesia's Islamic boarding school system desperately needs comprehensive reform after decades of government neglect left thousands of schools operating without proper oversight or funding. Only 50 out of 42,391 pesantren had building approvals, while state funding covers just 7% of operational costs, forcing schools to rely on donations and even use students as construction labor. The government's misplaced priorities are evident when 44% of the education budget is allocated to meal programs, while 60% of classrooms remain in disrepair.