By Harshit
JAKARTA, Nov. 7
Dozens of people were injured on Friday when an explosion occurred inside a mosque located within a high school complex in North Jakarta just as Friday prayers began. The blast triggered scenes of panic as worshippers, most of them students, rushed to safety while smoke filled the prayer hall.
Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri confirmed that at least 54 individuals were taken to hospitals across the capital with injuries ranging from minor cuts to severe burns. Twenty remain under treatment as of Friday evening, including three students reported to be in serious condition.
The explosion happened shortly after the sermon began, at around midday local time (04:00 GMT), in the Kelapa Gading district. The mosque sits inside the grounds of a large high school campus and is regularly used by students, teachers, and local residents.
Witnesses Describe Panic Inside Mosque
Students who were inside the mosque when the explosion occurred described hearing two loud blasts followed by chaos as people scrambled to escape.
“It was very sudden. The floor shook and people started shouting and running,” said 16-year-old student Rahmat Alfi, who was treated for minor injuries. “Everyone was confused. Some were crying. We just wanted to get outside.”
Local broadcaster footage showed ambulances lining the school grounds, while police quickly cordoned off the area to prevent crowds from gathering. Parents rushed to the scene in search of their children as emergency medical workers transported the injured to nearby hospitals.
Cause of Explosion Still Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the blast. Police Chief Suheri confirmed that a bomb disposal unit from the Mobile Brigade Corps was dispatched to sweep the mosque and surrounding classrooms.
“Police are still investigating the scene to determine the cause of the blasts,” Suheri said. “We are examining all material evidence found inside the mosque and interviewing witnesses.”
He also confirmed that toy rifles and a toy gun were found near the mosque, but stressed that it is too early to conclude whether the explosion was accidental, intentional, or related to the discovered items.
“There is no confirmation yet that this was a deliberate act or linked to any criminal network,” he said. “We are taking a careful and methodical approach.”
Officials added that there was no significant structural damage to the mosque, suggesting that the explosive force was contained or limited in scale.
Hospitals Treating Injured Students
Jakarta health officials stated that most of the victims suffered burns, lacerations, and shock-related trauma. Emergency rooms in multiple hospitals across the city were placed on standby, while families gathered anxiously for updates.
The North Jakarta General Hospital confirmed receiving 22 patients, while others were distributed among private and public facilities to avoid overwhelming single centers.
Parents who arrived at the hospital described emotional scenes as volunteers and social workers attempted to support families.
“I just want to see my son,” said one father, visibly shaken, speaking briefly to local reporters. “They told me he is injured but conscious. I’m trying to stay strong.”
Community Shock and Reassurance Efforts
Local officials urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading rumors online. Social media in Indonesia has a history of circulating misinformation during emergencies, often escalating public anxiety.
“We are asking the public not to speculate or share unverified videos,” said North Jakarta Mayor Ali Maulana Hakim. “This is a sensitive moment for many families.”
The school has canceled classes for at least three days while the investigation continues. Counselors have also been assigned to assist students affected by the incident.
Investigation to Continue Through the Weekend
The National Police’s forensics team is expected to analyze the blast residue and any recovered materials. The National Counterterrorism Agency has been briefed but has not yet been activated, signaling that there is still no evidence of extremist involvement.
Police Chief Suheri emphasized that the scene will remain sealed and that it may take several days before investigators can conclude whether the explosion was accidental, mechanical, chemical, or intentional.
“This is an ongoing investigation. We will release findings when we are certain,” he said.
Authorities are expected to provide another update on Saturday.