Explosions Rock Jakarta School Mosque During Friday Prayers
Indonesian authorities have identified a 17-year-old male student as the primary suspect in a devastating attack on a mosque at a high school in Jakarta. The incident, which occurred on Friday, 7 November 2025, left at least 54 people injured.
Witnesses reported hearing at least two powerful explosions around midday, just as the sermon was beginning for Friday prayers. The blasts originated from both inside and outside the mosque located at SMA 72, a state high school within a navy compound in Jakarta's northern Kelapa Gading district.
Panic ensued as grey smoke filled the building, causing students and worshippers to flee. The scene was captured on video, showing dozens of pupils in uniform running across a basketball court, many covering their ears for protection.
Police Investigation Uncovers Disturbing Evidence
Law enforcement officials confirmed they recovered a toy submachine gun belonging to the suspect. The weapon was inscribed with what appeared to be white supremacist slogans, including "14 words. For Agartha," and a reference to Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings.
Despite this discovery, National Police Chief Listyo Sigit urged caution against prematurely labelling the event a terror attack. "Our personnel are currently conducting an in-depth investigation to determine the suspect's identity and the environment where he lives," Mr Sigit stated during a news conference at the presidential palace.
The suspect was among two students undergoing surgery for injuries sustained in the blast. Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad confirmed the suspect's age and student status after visiting victims in hospital.
Aftermath and Historical Context of Attacks
Most victims suffered from burns, hearing loss, and injuries from flying glass and sharp objects like nails. Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri indicated the explosions came from near the mosque's loudspeaker, where many congregants were standing.
Authorities are investigating reports that the suspect, a grade 12 student, had been bullied and sought revenge through what was intended as a suicide attack. "We are still investigating the possibility that bullying was a factor that motivated the suspect," said Jakarta Police spokesperson Budi Hermanto.
This attack evokes memories of previous religious violence in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation. The country experienced a major militant attack in 2002 with the Bali bombings and a 2011 mosque bombing in Cirebon. However, authorities had noted a "zero attack phenomenon" since 2023 prior to this incident.
Security remains tight in the capital, with officials assuring the public that the situation is under control and providing trauma support for affected students and teachers.
