At least fifty-four people have been injured following a series of explosions that tore through a mosque at a state high school in Jakarta, Indonesia, during Friday prayers. The shocking incident prompted a massive emergency response and a swift investigation by authorities.
Chaos and Panic at SMA 72 High School
Witnesses reported hearing at least two loud blasts around midday, just as the sermon was beginning. The explosions originated from both inside and outside the mosque at SMA 72, a school located within a navy compound in the Kelapa Gading neighbourhood of North Jakarta.
Panic ensued as grey smoke filled the prayer hall, causing students and worshippers to flee in terror. Videos shared on social media captured the distressing scene, showing dozens of uniformed students running across a basketball court, many covering their ears with their hands for protection.
Teenage Suspect and Disturbing Evidence
Indonesian authorities were quick to identify a suspect. The chief of national police, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, confirmed that a 17-year-old male student was believed to be responsible and was among those injured, undergoing surgery.
In a disturbing development, police revealed they had recovered a toy submachine gun belonging to the suspect. The weapon was inscribed with what appeared to be white supremacist slogans, including a reference to the 2019 Christchurch mosque massacre in New Zealand.
Police chief Sigit stated, "We discovered the weapon was a toy gun with specific markings, which we are also investigating to understand the motive, including how he assembled it and carried out the attack." He emphasised that a full investigation was underway to determine the suspect's identity, motives, and background.
Investigation and Community Impact
While the type of explosive used remains unknown, Jakarta police chief Asep Edi Suheri indicated the blasts came from near the mosque's loudspeaker. Most victims suffered from burns, hearing loss, and injuries from flying glass and shrapnel.
Local media reports suggested the teenage suspect may have been bullied and was seeking revenge in a planned suicide attack. The Jakarta police spokesperson, Budi Hermanto, acknowledged this line of inquiry, stating, "We are still investigating the possibility that bullying was a factor that motivated the suspect."
Of the 54 injured, about 33 students remained hospitalised with burns and wounds from blast fragments. Authorities are providing trauma support for affected students and teachers, while reassuring the public that the capital is now safe and secure.
