East Java Police Raise The Status Of The Ambruk Case Of Al Khoziny Building To Investigation

The Head of Public Relations of the East Java Police, Kombes Jules Abraham Abast (left), gave a statement at Bhayangkara Hospital, Surabaya, Thursday (9/10/2025). (ANTARA/HO-MJU)

SURABAYA - The East Java Regional Police (Polda) raised the status of handling the case of the collapse of the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School (Ponpes) building, Buduran, Sidoarjo, from the investigation stage to an investigation after the joint investigation team.

"For the development of the case, the East Java Regional Police have conducted a case title. As a result, since yesterday his status has officially increased from an investigation to an investigation," said Head of Public Relations of the East Java Police, Kombes Jules Abraham Abast, as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, October 9.

Abast explained that after increasing this status, his party immediately summoned a number of witnesses for further examination.

Of the total 17 witnesses who have previously been questioned at the investigation stage, a recall will be made of several people whose statements are deemed necessary to be investigated further.

"Of the 17 witnesses that we have examined from the start, we will see which one needs to be investigated. The recall process will be adjusted to the needs of investigators," he said.

According to Abast, the witnesses examined came from various backgrounds, including the management of Islamic boarding schools, construction workers, to eyewitnesses at the scene.

However, only relevant information and direct connection with the collapse of the building will be deepened at the investigation stage.

"The background of witnesses is varied, but what we are investigating is only what is relevant to the incident. If we only know at first glance or come after the incident, maybe we don't check it further," he said.

Abast said a joint team of investigators had been formed since September 29, as soon as the collapse of the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School building caused dozens of fatalities and injuries.

The team consisted of personnel from the Directorate of General Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimum) of the East Java Police and the Sidoarjo City Police (Polresta).

In addition to witness examination, investigators will also ask for information from a number of experts, including construction experts and building experts, to strengthen the evidence of criminal elements in the incident.

"Expert information is one of the important pieces of evidence to strengthen the process of proving alleged criminal acts," said Abast.