Dewi Ajeng was at her home in Probolinggo, East Java, when she received distressing news from a group chat linked to her son’s school in Sidoarjo, about two hours away. The Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School had tragically collapsed during afternoon prayers, entombing numerous young students, predominantly aged 12 to 18, within its debris.
Dewi’s 13-year-old son, Selendra Haikal Rakaditya, was among those trapped. Overwhelmed by fear and sadness, she immediately contacted a friend in Sidoarjo, urging her to check on the situation while she rushed to the scene. Upon arriving around 5:30 PM, more than two hours after the incident, she discovered that her beloved son was still unaccounted for.
In a display of profound support and commitment, search and rescue teams set up notice boards detailing the individuals who had been rescued and transferred to various hospitals in the region. However, Dewi faced a harrowing search; six entries for the name ‘Haikal’ surfaced, leading her to visit multiple hospitals in her desperate quest for her son.
Her turmoil shifted when she received a video from the site, capturing a chilling moment. She heard her son calling out for her amidst the chaos. Fueled by hope, Dewi directed search and rescue teams, reiterating her conviction that her son needed to be found.
As the days progressed, rescuers faced significant challenges in accessing the boys, who were trapped within a pocket of air under the crumbled structure. Remarkably, after a grueling three-day rescue operation, hope was realized. Haikal was finally extricated from the rubble. Dewi, emotionally overwhelmed, rushed to the hospital and expressed gratitude upon finally seeing her son, who had endured the traumatic ordeal.
Haikal recounted that just as he completed his afternoon prayers, the ceiling began to collapse. Amidst the confusion, he recalled teaching himself to remain calm and save his energy, following the lessons from science classes. His resilience, combined with the spirit of camaraderie shared with his peers as they waited for help, was inspiring in the wake of such tragedy. Even when critically injured, Haikal remained optimistic, encouraging his peers to pray alongside him.
Dewi attributes her son’s remarkable survival to his creativity and resourcefulness. She had previously limited his use of digital devices, allowing his imagination to flourish in nature instead. “He is a very creative child,” she reflected, grateful for his positive spirit amid adversity.
Currently, Dewi is focused on supporting Haikal’s recovery, both physically and emotionally, following the traumatic events endured during his entrapment. He is receiving intensive care, with medical teams aiming to restore circulation in his leg, which suffered injuries under the weight of debris. Looking ahead, Dewi is determined to ensure her son is able to continue his education in a nurturing environment, emphasizing that he will have the freedom to choose a new school that meets his needs.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, especially in moments of profound challenge, and highlights the importance of community and family support during difficult times.
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