Santri Involvement in the Sidoarjo Musala Movement: Confessions of the Participant

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October 1, 2025

Musala Collapse at Indonesian Boarding School Sparks Safety Concerns

Buduran, Sidoarjo, Indonesia – A tragic incident unfolded on Monday as a Musala, a small mosque, collapsed at the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School, prompting an investigation into building standards and the use of student labor during its construction. The collapse occurred while students were engaged in prayer, leading to injuries and raising serious questions about the safety protocols followed during the Musala’s development.

Structural Failure During Construction

Initial reports indicate that the Musala was still under construction, specifically during the roof casting phase, when the collapse occurred. Survivor Muhammad rijalul Qoib reported observing weaknesses in the structure prior to the incident, noting insufficient support beneath the incomplete roofing.”At first there was someone who noticed a leak at the top, indicating the materials underneath were not adequately reinforced,” he stated.

Student involvement in Construction

Further investigation revealed that students were involved in the construction process, including assisting with the concrete casting, sometimes as a form of disciplinary action. Sulaiman, an 18-year-old student, explained that helping with the building work was frequently enough assigned as punishment for minor infractions. A guardian,Noer,confirmed his nephew,Saugik,was participating in the roof casting when the structure failed,resulting in a fractured hand for the student.

Aspect	Details
Location	al khoziny Islamic Boarding School, Buduran, Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Date of Collapse	Monday, september 29
phase of Construction	Roof Casting
Student Involvement	Assisting with construction, including concrete work, sometimes as punishment

Official Response and Future Measures

KH Abdus Salam Mujib, a caretaker at the school, theorizes that the collapse stemmed from inadequate support for the concrete being poured. He indicated that the construction had been ongoing for approximately ten months.
Did You Know? In Indonesia, it’s relatively common for students at Islamic boarding schools to participate in building and maintenance projects, a practice deeply rooted in the tradition of collective community effort.

Indonesia’s Minister of Religion, Nasaruddin Umar, acknowledged the practice of utilizing student labor in such projects, stating it was not uncommon across many Islamic schools.However,he emphasized a commitment to ensuring future construction projects at religious educational facilities adhere to established safety standards. “We will strive to ensure all future construction aligns with regulations and established standards,” he affirmed.

Construction Safety in Educational Institutions

This incident underscores the critical importance of robust construction safety measures in all buildings, especially those used by vulnerable populations like students. According to data from the International Labor organization (ILO),inadequate safety protocols contribute to millions of work-related injuries and illnesses annually. Proper oversight, qualified supervision, and adherence to building codes are essential to prevent similar tragedies.
Pro Tip: Always verify that any construction project, especially in a public or educational setting, has obtained all necessary permits and undergoes regular safety inspections.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What caused the Musala to collapse? Initial investigations suggest the collapse was due to insufficient structural support during the roof casting process.
• Were students involved in the construction work? Yes, students were assisting with construction, sometimes as a form of punishment.
• What is the government’s response to this incident? The Minister of Religion has pledged to ensure future construction at religious schools meets established safety standards.
• Is it common for students to work on construction projects in Indonesia? Yes, it is a relatively common practice, though it is now facing increased scrutiny.
• What safety measures are typically recommended for construction projects? Complete safety measures include qualified supervision, adherence to building codes, regular inspections, and proper material testing.

What are yoru thoughts on the use of student labor in construction projects? Share your opinions and discuss the importance of safety in educational settings in the comments below!

How did the Sheikh’s teachings differ from the customary Islamic curriculum offered in the participant’s pesantren?

The Context: Understanding the Sidoarjo Musala Controversy

The Sidoarjo musala movement, centered around the Al-Falah Musala in Porong, sidoarjo, East Java, gained national attention in 2022.Initially framed as a spiritual gathering, it quickly became embroiled in controversy due to allegations of unorthodox teachings and the charismatic leadership of mukti alias Pasuruan’s Sheikh. The movement attracted a meaningful following,including a notable number of santri – students of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) – raising questions about their motivations and experiences. This article delves into the involvement of santri within the movement, based on accounts from a former participant, offering a firsthand perspective on the dynamics at play. Keywords: Sidoarjo Musala, Al-Falah Musala, Mukti Pasuruan, Santri, pesantren, Islamic Boarding School, East java, Religious Movement, Controversial Sheikh.

Why Santri Were Drawn to the Movement: Initial Appeal

Many santri were initially attracted to the Al-Falah Musala by promises of spiritual enlightenment and a perceived shortcut to achieving a closer relationship with God. The Sheikh’s teachings, presented as a unique interpretation of Islamic principles, resonated with some santri seeking deeper understanding beyond their traditional pesantren curriculum.

* Disillusionment with Traditional Learning: Some santri expressed feeling constrained by the rigid structure and traditional methods of their pesantren. They sought a more experiential and personalized approach to spirituality.

* Charismatic Leadership: Mukti’s charismatic personality and captivating oratory skills played a significant role in attracting followers, particularly younger santri susceptible to strong personalities.

* Social Connection: The Musala offered a sense of community and belonging,particularly for santri who felt isolated or struggled to fit in within their pesantren habitat. This fostered a strong ukhuwah Islamiyah (Islamic brotherhood).

* Perceived Spiritual Power: Rumors of the Sheikh possessing extraordinary spiritual powers (karomah) circulated, attracting those seeking blessings and solutions to personal problems.Keywords: Spiritual Enlightenment, Islamic Teachings, Karomah, Ukhuwah Islamiyah, Religious Charisma.

The Role of Santri Within the Movement: active Participation

Santri weren’t merely passive followers; they actively participated in various aspects of the movement.Their involvement extended beyond attending religious gatherings.

1. recruitment: Many santri actively recruited fellow students from their pesantren, leveraging existing social networks and trust. This recruitment frequently enough occurred discreetly, avoiding detection by pesantren authorities.
2. Fundraising: Santri were involved in fundraising activities to support the Musala’s operations and the Sheikh’s lifestyle. This included collecting donations from family, friends, and even selling personal belongings.
3. Security & Logistics: As the movement grew, santri were tasked with maintaining security during gatherings and managing logistical arrangements, such as transportation and accommodation.
4. Dissemination of Teachings: Santri played a crucial role in spreading the Sheikh’s teachings through social media and word-of-mouth, often adapting the message to appeal to their peers. Keywords: Recruitment, Fundraising, Religious Organization, Social Media, Peer Influence.

The Turning Point: Doubts and Disillusionment

The participant, identifying as “A,” a former santri from a well-known pesantren in Jombang, East Java, recounts a gradual erosion of trust. Initial enthusiasm began to wane as inconsistencies in the Sheikh’s teachings emerged.

“At first, everything seemed so profound. He spoke of a direct connection to god, bypassing traditional intermediaries. But as time went on, the teachings became increasingly…strange. He started demanding absolute obedience and dismissing established Islamic scholarship.” – A.

Key factors contributing to disillusionment included:

* Contradictions with Core Islamic Principles: The Sheikh’s teachings increasingly deviated from mainstream Islamic doctrine,particularly regarding the interpretation of the Quran and Sunnah.

* financial irregularities: Rumors of the Sheikh’s lavish lifestyle and questionable financial dealings began to circulate, raising concerns about the use of donations.

* Control and Manipulation: The participant described a growing sense of control and manipulation within the movement, with followers discouraged from questioning the Sheikh’s authority.

* Pressure to Sever Ties with Family: Some santri reported being pressured to cut ties with family members who expressed concerns about the movement. Keywords: Islamic Doctrine, Financial transparency, Religious Manipulation, Cult Dynamics, Critical Thinking.

The Aftermath: Leaving the movement and Reintegration

Leaving the movement wasn’t easy. The participant describes facing social ostracism and emotional distress. Reintegrating into their pesantren and rebuilding trust with family proved challenging.

“It was like waking up from a dream. I felt ashamed and confused.My family was heartbroken, and my kyai (religious leader) was deeply disappointed.