Explosion During Friday Prayers in Jakarta Mosque Injures Dozens

Jakarta – Dozens of people were injured Friday during an explosion at a mosque located within a high school complex in Jakarta, Indonesia. The blast occurred around 12:15 local time (05:15 GMT) in Kelapa Gading, a district in North Jakarta, during Friday prayers, leaving the community in shock.

Jakarta city police chief Asep Edi Suheri confirmed that 54 people were admitted to hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to serious, including burns. Three individuals sustained severe injuries, while 17 others were reported with minor injuries. Several other victims received treatment at the scene and were discharged.

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police immediately launched an investigation, deploying a bomb disposal team to examine the high school complex. Security forces cordoned off the area, with military personnel guarding the entrance. Initial reports noted the presence of two objects resembling firearms at the scene. Images suggested one appeared to be a submachine gun and the other a pistol. Inscribed markings on the submachine gun-like object referenced “14 words. For Agartha” and “Brenton Tarrant. Welcome to Hell,” linking to the Christchurch mosque attack in 2019.

However, a government minister who visited the site later clarified that the firearms in the images were actually toy guns, urging the public not to jump to conclusions about terrorism until investigations are complete. A dark green belt for storing gun cartridges was also found at the scene.

Preliminary accounts from a student at the school suggested that a homemade bomb may have been brought to the mosque by a student who had previously experienced bullying, though authorities have not confirmed this claim.

Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, has seen heightened vigilance around public religious sites following the incident. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion, examining both the origin of the device and potential motives.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm while security and investigative teams conduct thorough searches and assessments of the site to ensure safety for students and worshippers.