Several explosions rocked a mosque inside a school complex in Jakarta’s Kelapa Gading area during Friday prayers, injuring dozens of worshippers and sparking chaos among those present. Authorities suspect a 17-year-old boy to be behind the blasts.
According to police, 55 people were taken to hospitals with injuries ranging from minor wounds to severe burns. Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as loud blasts echoed through the mosque.
“I was working in the school canteen when the explosion shook everything. The sound was so loud I couldn’t even breathe,” said Luciana, 43, recalling the terrifying moments. “We thought it was an electrical fault or the sound system, but when it happened again, everyone started running.”
Jakarta’s police chief Asep Edi Suheri confirmed that an investigation is underway. “We have sealed off the area, examined the scene, and are collecting evidence,” he said during a press briefing. Officials added that the young suspect is currently undergoing surgery, though no motive has been disclosed yet.
While Indonesia has faced extremist attacks in the past—mainly targeting churches and Western interests—assaults on mosques are extremely rare. Footage aired by KompasTV showed a green mosque cordoned off with police tape, surrounded by security personnel and emergency vehicles.
Deputy security minister Lodewijk Freidrich confirmed there were two separate explosions, and the compound, located in a densely populated area of North Jakarta, is known to house several active and retired military officers.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound sorrow over the tragic incident. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Indonesia and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Indonesia, Zardari highlighted his country’s long fight against terrorism and noted that he personally understands the pain of such tragedies, having lost family members to terror attacks. He pledged Pakistan’s continued cooperation with Indonesia and the international community to eliminate extremism in all its forms.
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