Jakarta School Mosque Explosion Injures 54; 17-Year-Old Suspect Reported to Have Suffered Long-Term Bullying

After an explosion occurred at a mosque on a school campus in the northern part of the Indonesian capital Jakarta on the 7th, police confirmed the suspect is a 17-year-old teenager.

The blast left at least 54 people injured, most of whom were students.

As prayers were beginning at noon that day, at least two loud bangs were heard inside and outside the mosque, smoke filled the air, and students fled in panic.

Preliminary investigations show that the suspect is a high school senior who may have suffered long-term school bullying and attempted a suicide attack as revenge. The suspect was injured in the explosion and is undergoing surgery. Police are conducting an in-depth investigation into his identity, family, and living environment.

Indonesia's official news agency Antara quoted Deputy Security Minister Friedrich as confirming that there were two explosions at the scene.

16-year-old student Muhammad said, "The school immediately fell into chaos, everyone ran to the playground. Many students were injured and many were sent directly to the hospital."

Jakarta police spokesman Budi stated that about 54 people were injured, of whom 33 are "still receiving treatment."

17-year-old student Kinza told the media at the hospital that at the time people were confused about the cause of the explosion: "At first, we thought the explosion came from electronic equipment, maybe the sound system... but then we found out the explosion came from under the prayer mat."