Jakarta Mosque Attack Injures 54, Teenager Identified as Suspect
A 17-year-old boy has been identified as the suspect in an attack at a mosque inside a Jakarta high school today, injuring at least 54 people, primarily students, and raising concerns about the potential for extremist ideologies to influence young people in Indonesia.
The incident occurred around midday during Friday prayers at SMA 72, a state high school located within a navy compound in Jakarta’s Kelapa Gading neighborhood. Witnesses reported hearing at least two explosions, prompting panic as students and others fled the mosque, which quickly filled with gray smoke. Authorities recovered a toy submachine gun from the suspect inscribed with what appeared to be white supremacist slogans, including references to the “14 words” and Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the 2019 Christchurch, New Zealand mosque shootings.
“The suspect is a 17-year-old male student” who is currently undergoing surgery, according to Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad. National Police Chief Listyo Sigit stated that investigators are working to determine the suspect’s motive, including how he obtained and modified the weapon. Sigit noted the presence of markings like “14 words. For Agartha,” and “Brenton Tarrant: Welcome to hell.” Police are also investigating reports that the suspect may have been experiencing bullying and intended the attack as an act of revenge. Indonesia has faced challenges with extremist violence in the past, including the devastating 2002 Bali bombings, but has seen a period of relative calm in recent years; you can learn more about the history of terrorism in Indonesia here.
Most of the injured suffered burns and injuries from flying glass, with approximately 33 students remaining hospitalized. Jakarta Police spokesperson Budi Hermanto confirmed the injury count as 54 and assured the public that the capital is safe and security is under control. Authorities are providing trauma counseling to students and teachers. Reuters has more details on the ongoing investigation.
Police are continuing their in-depth investigation into the suspect’s background and motives, and officials say they will provide updates as they become available.
