Fifty Injured in Jakarta School Mosque Explosion

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

During Friday prayers, a series of explosions at a mosque situated within a school in the Kelapa Gading area of North Jakarta resulted in injuries to over 50 individuals. The blasts, which shocked those present, occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. local time as students assembled for worship.

As reported by police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, a 17-year-old student, who was also injured, is believed to be the perpetrator of the attack. Initial investigations indicate that the young man created a makeshift bomb that detonated inside the mosque.

Witnesses recounted a scene filled with panic and chaos. The majority of the injured victims were students who suffered from burns and other injuries caused by the blasts. One school cook shared, “Our hearts were racing, and it was hard to breathe,” after responding to the deafening explosion and seeing thick smoke billow from the mosque's windows.

Emergency responders, along with a bomb disposal squad, swiftly arrived on the scene to secure the area and search for any potential additional explosives. Authorities later discovered two objects resembling guns in the vicinity, initially feared to be real firearms. One of these items bore unsettling markings referencing Brenton Tarrant, responsible for the Christchurch mosque massacre in New Zealand in 2019.

However, officials confirmed that these items were mere replicas or toy weapons, alleviating some initial concerns. Nevertheless, the markings raised alarms regarding the teenager's potential exposure to violent online material.

Students familiar with the suspect described him as reserved and often isolated, having endured bullying. Some classmates recalled observing him engaging in violent artwork and exhibiting unusual behavior in the weeks leading up to the incident.

Authorities have secured the location and are gathering evidence for forensic examination. As the investigation progresses, officials are concentrated on unveiling the motive behind this tragic event and aiming to avert any further occurrences that could undermine the safety of Indonesia’s educational environments.