A double blast inside a mosque located within a high school compound in North Jakarta left at least 54 people injured during Friday prayers, officials say. The incident has turned the religious site into an active crime scene as authorities rush to determine the cause and hold the perpetrator responsible.
Blast in a School Mosque During Prayers
Officials confirmed that two explosions reverberated through the mosque situated on the grounds of a school in Jakarta’s Kelapa Gading district. The building, frequented by students, teachers and visitors, was packed with worshippers when the blasts occurred, resulting in numerous casualties. Many injured were treated for wounds ranging from minor injuries to serious burns.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Law enforcement and military personnel swiftly secured the site, establishing a police perimeter and sterilising the area for forensic work. Jakarta City Police Chief Asep Edi Suhaeri stated that injured individuals were transported to hospital while visibly shaken witnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion. Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad visited victims at a hospital and revealed that the alleged attacker is a 17-year-old male currently undergoing surgery.
Location, Context and Wider Implications
The mosque is part of a high-school complex on navy-controlled land in North Jakarta, a bustling residential zone neighbouring military households. While outwardly the exterior of the mosque appeared intact, interior damage and the aftermath of the explosions remain under review. Authorities emphasised that the site is now treated like a crime scene as they probe motive, method and any potential links to broader regional stability concerns.
