By Nadine Osman
London, (The Muslim News): Indonesian authorities are investigating multiple explosions at a mosque in State Senior High School 72 (SMAN 72) in North Jakarta’s Kelapa Gading district, after investigators recovered components resembling homemade explosives, a remote control, and imitation firearms. Anti-Terror Detachment 88, an elite police unit, has also been deployed to determine whether the explosions were deliberate or connected to extremist networks. Fifty-four people, including students and teachers, were injured Friday after multiple explosions occurred inside a school mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital.
Among the recovered items was a toy submachine gun inscribed with references to white supremacist attackers Brenton Tarrant, responsible for the 2019 Christchurch Mosque Massacre, and Alexandre Bissonnette, who carried out the 2017 Quebec City Mosque shooting. Additional markings included the slogans “14 Words” and “For Agartha,” as well as the phrase “Welcome to Hell,” prompting authorities to focus on possible ideological motives.
“We discovered the weapon was a toy gun with specific markings, which we are investigating to understand the motive,” National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo said, noting that forensic teams are analysing all recovered materials to determine how they relate to the suspect and the blasts.
Police have identified a 17-year-old student at the school as the suspected perpetrator. He is seriously injured and currently undergoing surgery. Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, who visited victims at a hospital, confirmed the student remains under medical supervision.
“The information I have is that the suspect is undergoing surgery,” he said, declining to discuss motive.
The explosions struck during Friday prayers around 12:30 p.m. local time (05:30 GMT), reportedly occurring twice—inside and outside the mosque—when the school, located within a navy housing compound, was crowded with worshippers. Students and staff evacuated amid thick smoke and shattered windows. Luciana, 43, a canteen worker, recalled: “Our hearts were beating fast, we couldn’t breathe, and we ran outside. At first, I thought it was an electrical problem or the sound system exploding, but white smoke was already billowing from the mosque.” Local resident Immanuel Tarigan added, “It was crowded, and we saw many injured victims, some with severe facial injuries. I was looking for our children who attend the school.”
Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri confirmed that most victims suffered burns, cuts, and injuries from flying debris. “The cause is not yet known,” he said, noting that forensic and bomb disposal teams from the Gegana unit had completed a thorough sweep of the scene.
Nearby hospitals treated dozens of students, seven of whom underwent surgery for burns and lacerations. Margaret Aliyatul Maimunah, Chair of Indonesia’s Child Protection Commission, said: “Some had to be operated on, while those whose conditions allowed it have been permitted to go home. Many will also require psychological support.”
The explosions occurred in a densely populated neighbourhood that includes housing for military personnel and retirees. No fatalities have been reported, though 20 students remain hospitalised, including three with serious burns. Authorities stressed that the investigation is ongoing, with all recovered evidence under analysis to determine motive and responsibility.
[Photo: Police officers collect evidence during investigations after an explosion at a mosque within a school complex in Jakarta, Indonesia, on November 7, 2025. Fifty-four people, including students and teachers, were injured Friday after multiple explosions occurred inside a school mosque in Indonesia’s capital during Friday prayers, according to local media. The explosions occurred in North Jakarta’s State Senior High School 72 around 12:30 p.m. (0530GMT), the Jakarta Globe reported, citing police. Most of the victims sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries caused by glass fragments and the impact of the blast’s shockwaves. Photojournalist: Agoes Rudianto/AA]
