Jakarta witnessed chaos on Friday after multiple explosions rocked a mosque in the Kelapa Gading area during prayers, injuring 55 people. Police identified a 17-year-old boy as the suspected attacker. Many victims suffered burns and other serious injuries and are being treated at local hospitals.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as loud blasts echoed through the school complex housing the mosque. “The explosion was so loud that I couldn’t breathe,” said Luciana, a 43-year-old canteen worker. “We thought it was a short circuit or a sound system issue and ran out in fear.”
Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad confirmed that the young suspect was undergoing surgery. Police chief Asep Edi Suheri said investigators had secured the site and launched a full probe. Authorities are examining the motive behind the attack.
Indonesia has a history of militant violence targeting churches and Western locations, but attacks on mosques are rare. Security forces have largely curbed Islamist militancy in recent years. KompasTV footage showed the mosque intact from the outside but cordoned off with police tape, while armed officers guarded the area.
The complex, located on navy-owned land, is home to military personnel and retirees.
