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Explosions at a mosque within a Jakarta school complex that injured dozens during Friday prayers may have been an attack, according to officials. A 17-year-old suspect is currently undergoing surgery, though details about the motive remain undisclosed.
Police reported that 55 individuals were hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor burns to more severe trauma following the blasts at the mosque in the Kelapa Gading district. Witness Luciana, 43, who was working in the school canteen at the time, explained, “The explosion was so loud I couldn’t breathe out of shock.” She recounted hearing multiple blasts that caused panic among those fleeing the area, believing initially that it was a short circuit or a malfunction in the sound system.
Jakarta’s deputy house speaker, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, confirmed the suspect’s surgery but did not elaborate on possible motives.
Authorities have launched an investigation, with city police chief Asep Edi Suheri stating, “We are examining the scene, establishing a perimeter, and sterilizing the area.” While Indonesia has a history of attacks targeting churches and Western establishments, mosques have generally remained unscathed, and radical militant activity has been largely curtailed in recent years.
Footage from local media depicted a well-maintained mosque with shoes lined outside and no visible exterior damage, surrounded by police tape. State news agency Antara reported that there were two explosions. Security measures included armed officers at the mosque’s gates, alongside emergency and armored vehicles parked nearby.
The site is situated in a densely populated section of North Jakarta, predominantly occupied by military personnel and retirees on navy-controlled land.
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