55 Injured in Explosion at Jakarta School Mosque: Suspected Teen Attacker Under Investigation

Armed police personnel guard near an area after an explosion occurred at a school complex in Jakarta

Jakarta:

During Friday prayers at a mosque within a school complex in Jakarta's Kelapa Gading district, multiple explosions occurred, resulting in injuries to 55 individuals. Officials suggest this incident might have been deliberate, with authorities identifying a 17-year-old as the suspected perpetrator.

According to police reports, dozens of victims are currently receiving medical treatment in local hospitals for various injuries ranging from minor to severe, including burns sustained during the blasts.

Luciana, a 43-year-old canteen worker at the school, recounted her experience: "The explosion was loud, so loud that I could not breathe because I was shocked." She described hearing multiple explosions followed by panic as people rushed to evacuate the premises. "I thought it was a short circuit or the sound system which exploded - we were so afraid so we rushed out."

Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad informed media representatives after visiting one of the hospitals that the young male suspect was undergoing surgical procedures, though he provided no additional details regarding the individual's identity or possible motives.

Jakarta's city police chief Asep Edi Suheri confirmed during a press conference that an investigation had been launched. "We have taken several measures such as investigating the crime scene, setting up a police line and sterilising the area," Suheri stated.

While Indonesia has previously experienced attacks targeting churches and Western establishments, incidents involving mosques are unprecedented. In recent years, authorities have largely suppressed Islamist militant activities throughout the country.

News channel KompasTV broadcast footage showing the green-painted mosque cordoned off with police tape. A line of shoes remained outside the entrance, though the exterior of the building showed no visible damage.

State news agency Antara quoted Deputy Chief Security Minister Lodewijk Freidrich confirming that two explosions had occurred at the location.

Security personnel equipped with assault rifles maintained positions at the compound's iron gates, while emergency vehicles and armored police transports were stationed along the street outside. The affected complex is situated in a densely populated area of North Jakarta on predominantly navy-owned property, where numerous military personnel and retired officers reside.