55 Hurt in Explosions at Jakarta School Mosque During Friday Prayers

Post by : Raina Nasser

Jakarta, Indonesia – Authorities report that over 55 individuals were hospitalized after a series of explosions occurred at a mosque located within a school complex in Kelapa Gading, Jakarta, during Friday prayers. The blasts caused a wave of panic among attendees, resulting in injuries that varied from mild burns to serious trauma.

Witnesses recounted horrifying scenes as multiple detonations erupted in quick succession. Luciana, a 43-year-old who worked in the school canteen, shared her experience: “The noise was deafening; I couldn’t catch my breath due to shock. Initially, we thought it was a malfunction, but an overwhelming sense of fear compelled everyone to flee.”

Officials have apprehended a 17-year-old male as the suspected attacker. Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad verified that the suspect is undergoing surgery, yet the motive for this attack has not been revealed.

Jakarta's police chief, Asep Edi Suheri, affirmed that a comprehensive investigation is currently in progress. “We have implemented several safety protocols, including securing the crime scene and establishing police barriers,” he announced. Law enforcement has restricted access to the complex, deploying heavily armed police, emergency response teams, and armored units to ensure public safety.

The mosque, which has a green exterior, appeared undamaged from the outside. Security personnel confirmed that two distinct explosions were recorded. This school complex is situated on land owned by the navy in North Jakarta, a location densely populated by military families and veterans.

While Indonesia has encountered attacks aimed at churches and Western entities in the past, assaults on mosques remain uncommon. The rise of Islamist extremism has been effectively curbed in recent years, making this incident an alarming anomaly.

Investigations are ongoing to assess the full impact of the incident, identify the attacker's motivations, and discover any potential accomplices.