Jakarta High School Mosque Explosions Injure 55, Suspect Identified
Indonesian authorities have identified a 17-year-old male student as the suspected perpetrator of explosions that occurred at a high school mosque in Jakarta during Friday prayers. The incident resulted in injuries to at least 55 individuals, primarily students.
Incident Details
Witnesses reported hearing a minimum of two blasts around midday from both inside and outside the mosque at SMA 72, a state high school located within a navy compound in Jakarta's northern Kelapa Gading neighborhood. The explosions took place as the sermon began, leading to students evacuating the premises amid smoke.
Casualties and Investigation
Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad confirmed that the 17-year-old suspect was undergoing surgery for injuries sustained. National Police Chief Listyo Sigit corroborated this, stating the suspect was one of two students critically injured and hospitalized. Police are conducting an in-depth investigation to determine the suspect's identity, living environment, and the motive behind the attack.
Most of the victims suffered injuries from glass shards and burns. Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri reported that 20 students remain hospitalized, with three in serious condition. The cause of the explosions is currently under investigation, though they are believed to have originated near the mosque's loudspeaker.
Evidence and Potential Motives
Investigators discovered a modified toy submachine gun at the scene, inscribed with phrases including "14 words. For Agartha" and "Brenton Tarrant: Welcome to hell." The term "14 words" is associated with a white supremacist slogan, and Brenton Tarrant was responsible for the 2019 mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand. Police are examining the weapon's assembly and the significance of these inscriptions to ascertain the motive.
Official Stance and Historical Context
Authorities have not yet classified the incident as a terror attack, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing. Historically, Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, has experienced significant militant attacks, such as the 2002 Bali bombings. More recent incidents include a 2011 mosque bombing and a 2022 police station bombing. However, since 2023, Indonesian authorities have reported a "zero attack phenomenon," attributing it to enhanced security measures.