A major disruption struck the mosque situated inside the compound of SMA 27—a state high school located within a navy facility in Jakarta’s northern Kelapa Gading neighbourhood—when multiple explosions reverberated during Friday prayers. Authorities say at least 55 people were injured in the incident, most of them students.
According to witness accounts broadcast on local television, the first two loud detonations occurred just as the sermon began around midday. Smoke rapidly filled the mosque as students and staff fled in panic.
Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, speaking after visiting the hospital treating the wounded, revealed that the suspected individual responsible for the blast—a teenager approximately 17 years old—was undergoing surgery.
READ MORE: Tragedy in Taraba: Two Killed in Violent Clash Over Mosque Leadership Dispute
Jakarta’s city police chief, Asep Edi Suheri, confirmed the explosion occurred in close proximity to the high school’s mosque and that those admitted to hospital sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe burn wounds. He stated that 20 students remain admitted while three of them are in critical condition.
At the scene, the anti-bomb squad discovered several toy rifles and a replica firearm near the mosque’s loudspeaker system—the suspected origin point of the explosion, according to Chief Suheri.
“As yet we cannot conclude that this was an attack,” Suheri told reporters. “We are conducting a full investigation, and urge the public not to speculate until we have results.” The authorities have pledged to release official findings once the inquiry is complete.
What you should know:
-
The blasts occurred at the mosque of SMA 27 inside a navy compound in Jakarta’s Kelapa Gading area during Friday midday prayers.
-
At least 55 people were injured; of those, 20 remain hospitalised and three are in serious condition.
-
A 17-year-old suspect is in surgery and is under investigation.
-
Toy weapons were found by the anti-bomb unit near the loudspeaker installation—currently believed to be the blast origin.
-
Investigators are treating the case as active and cautioning against premature conclusions as they gather evidence and review CCTV and forensic data.
Next steps:
We will monitor updates from the Jakarta police and Indonesia’s national security agencies for any announcement on motive, device type, and status of the suspect.
