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Explosion at Jakarta mosque leaves over 50 injured during Friday prayers
A suspected homemade bomb detonated inside a mosque within a state-run high school complex in Jakarta's Kelapa Gading district on Friday, injuring more than 50 people-primarily students-during midday prayers. Authorities have identified a 17-year-old student as the alleged perpetrator, who was also wounded in the blast.
Incident details and immediate response
The explosion occurred at approximately 12:15 local time (05:15 GMT) inside the school's mosque, according to Indonesia's national police chief, Listyo Sigit Prabowo. Victims suffered injuries ranging from minor cuts to severe burns, with emergency services rushing to the scene. A bomb disposal unit was deployed to secure the area, collect evidence, and verify no additional explosive devices remained.
Eyewitnesses described chaos following the blast. A school cook told Reuters she saw "white smoke billowing from the mosque" and shattered windows, adding, "Our hearts were pounding; we could barely breathe." Students reported the suspect-a described "loner" known for violent drawings-was found lying on the ground post-explosion, per local media interviews.
Suspect's profile and possible motives
Classmates alleged to state news agency Antara that the suspect had frequently been bullied and may have brought the device into the mosque. Investigators are probing how the teen assembled the bomb and executed the attack, Prabowo stated, though no official motive has been confirmed. Authorities urged caution against speculating on terrorism, emphasizing the inquiry remains active.
Controversy over weapons found at the scene
Initial reports cited two firearm-like objects recovered near the blast site: one resembling a submachine gun inscribed with "14 words. For Agartha" and "Brenton Tarrant. Welcome to Hell"-a reference to the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooter who killed 51 people. A second object appeared to be a pistol. However, Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus, a minister visiting the scene, later told CNN Indonesia the items were "toy guns, not real firearms." A dark green ammunition belt was also found.
National context and official appeals
Indonesia, home to the world's largest Muslim population, has historically faced sporadic violent incidents, though authorities stressed the need to avoid premature conclusions. Paulus called for public restraint, reiterating that "investigators are still piecing together the facts." The school complex remains cordoned off as forensic teams continue their work.
Next steps
Police expect to release preliminary findings within 48 hours, including potential charges against the suspect. Counseling services have been mobilized for traumatized students and staff, while security reviews at other Jakarta schools are underway.
