55 Injured in Mosque Explosion at Indonesian School During Friday Prayers

Jakarta, Indonesia – At least 55 people were hospitalized following explosions at a mosque inside a school complex in Kelapa Gading, Jakarta, during Friday prayers, authorities said. The blasts, which caused panic among worshippers, left victims with injuries ranging from minor burns to serious trauma.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as multiple explosions went off in quick succession. Luciana, 43, who was working at the school canteen, recalled the terrifying moment: “The explosion was loud, so loud that I could not breathe because I was shocked. We thought it was a short circuit or the sound system, but the fear was overwhelming, and everyone rushed out.”

Officials have identified a 17-year-old male as the suspected perpetrator. Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad confirmed that the suspect was undergoing surgery, although authorities have not disclosed the motive behind the attack.

Jakarta city police chief Asep Edi Suheri said a thorough investigation is underway. “We have taken several measures, such as securing the crime scene, setting up police lines, and sterilizing the area,” he stated. Law enforcement has cordoned off the complex and deployed black-clad armed police personnel, emergency vehicles, and armored units to maintain security.

The mosque, painted green, showed no visible damage to its exterior. Security officials reported that there were two explosions. The school complex is situated on navy-owned land in North Jakarta, an area densely populated with military personnel and retired officers.

Indonesia has previously experienced attacks targeting churches and Western interests, but incidents involving mosques are rare. Islamist militancy has largely been suppressed in recent years, making this attack an unusual and alarming development.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine the full extent of the damage, the perpetrator’s motive, and whether any accomplices were involved.