Chaos in Jakarta: School Mosque Hit by Explosions
The Live info Media
Dozens Injured During Friday Prayers
A state of panic erupted in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, following multiple explosions at a mosque located inside a school complex during Friday prayers. The incident, which occurred in the Kelapa Gading area of North Jakarta, resulted in injuries to dozens of worshippers. The timing of the blasts, during one of the busiest prayer times of the week, caused immediate chaos and a mass scramble for safety.
Casualty Count and Victim Injuries
Police have confirmed that 55 people were taken to hospitals with a range of injuries. These injuries included minor to serious wounds, such as burns and injuries caused by flying glass. One witness, Luciana, who was working at the school canteen nearby, described the scene: “The explosion was loud, so loud that I could not breathe because I was shocked,” she said, recalling the panic as dozens of people fled the complex.
Focus on a Teenage Suspect
Authorities quickly moved to identify the person suspected of being behind the explosions. Officials have named a 17-year-old male student as the suspected perpetrator. The young man was injured in the blasts and is reportedly undergoing surgery at a hospital. The Deputy House Speaker, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, confirmed the suspect’s identity after visiting the hospital, though he did not provide further details on a possible motive.
The Scene and Initial Findings
The explosions occurred near the mosque’s loudspeaker, according to initial reports. State news agency Antara quoted the deputy chief security minister as saying there were two explosions. Footage from the scene showed the mosque, which is painted green, cordoned off with police tape. However, the exterior of the building showed no signs of extensive damage. The compound is located on largely navy-owned land in a crowded area, home to many military personnel.
Police Launch Full-Scale Investigation
Jakarta city police chief Asep Edi Suheri confirmed that a full-scale probe into the incident is underway. The police have deployed a bomb disposal unit to the scene, which has been sealed off and “sterilised” to ensure safety and gather evidence. Investigators are currently focused on determining the exact cause of the explosions, collecting evidence, and establishing the motive of the teenage suspect.
Warning Against Terror Speculation
While the nature of the incident immediately raised concerns, police officials have warned against speculating that the incident was a terrorist attack until the investigation is complete. Indonesia has historically seen attacks on churches and Western targets, but attacks on mosques are very rare. The police chief urged the public to let the authorities work to provide a clear and definitive conclusion about the shocking incident.
