Jakarta Mosque Explosion Leaves Dozens Injured
More than 50 people have been injured following an explosion at a mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital, on Friday, according to local police. The blast occurred during Friday prayers inside a mosque located within a school complex in the Kelapa Gading district of North Jakarta.
Emergency teams and police quickly responded to the scene, rushing dozens of injured worshippers — many of them students — to nearby hospitals.
City police chief Asep Edi Suheri confirmed that 54 people were hospitalized, with injuries ranging from minor cuts and burns to serious trauma.
“Twenty people remain under medical care, including three in serious condition,” Suheri told reporters at a briefing.
Witnesses Describe Two Loud Blasts During Prayers
Eyewitnesses at the scene said the explosion occurred just after the Friday sermon began, around midday local time (04:00 GMT). Worshippers reported hearing two loud blasts that sent panic through the congregation.
“I was near the back when the first explosion happened,” said one witness. “People were screaming and running toward the doors — then a second blast went off a few seconds later.”
Local television footage showed ambulances, police officers, and soldiers surrounding the school compound. The mosque’s structure appeared largely intact, though the interior sustained minor damage.
Police: Cause of Explosion Still Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the explosion.
The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have deployed bomb disposal units and forensic investigators to comb through the site for evidence.
Chief Suheri said officers discovered toy rifles and a toy gun near the mosque, but it remains unclear whether these items were linked to the incident.
“The anti-bomb squad is examining the area and interviewing witnesses,” Suheri explained. “We have not ruled out any possibilities at this stage.”
Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to complete their work before drawing conclusions.
Hospitals Treat Victims, Community Rallies in Support
Most of the injured have been taken to Koja General Hospital and Mitramedika Hospital in North Jakarta. Medical teams are providing treatment for burn injuries, bruises, and shock.
Volunteers and community groups have also gathered at the hospitals to provide food, clothing, and psychological support for victims and their families.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs expressed condolences to those affected and said it was coordinating with police to ensure the safety of places of worship nationwide.
Security Tightened Around Jakarta Following Explosion
In the aftermath of the explosion, police have tightened security around mosques, schools, and public areas in the capital.
Armed officers and military personnel were seen patrolling near the site, with roadblocks temporarily set up around Kelapa Gading.
Jakarta Governor Heru Budi Hartono said authorities are “monitoring the situation closely” and that the government “stands ready to assist all victims and their families.”
Indonesia’s History of Mosque and Public Explosions
While explosions at mosques are rare in Indonesia, the country has faced sporadic incidents involving gas leaks, faulty wiring, and homemade explosives over the years.
In some cases, accidents involving stored fuel or electrical faults have caused minor blasts at religious sites.
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, has also experienced isolated extremist attacks in the past. However, police have not linked this explosion to terrorism and say no evidence currently suggests a deliberate act.
Key Details at a Glance
- Location: Mosque inside a school complex, Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta
- Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
- Time: Around midday (04:00 GMT)
- Casualties: 54 injured, 20 still hospitalized, 3 seriously hurt
- Cause: Under investigation — not yet confirmed
- Response: Anti-bomb squad deployed, hospitals treating victims
Community and Global Reactions
Social media in Indonesia quickly filled with messages of solidarity under hashtags #PrayForJakarta and #JakartaMosqueExplosion.
Community leaders have called for calm, urging citizens not to share unverified information.
The Jakarta Ulema Council (MUI) condemned the incident, calling it “a tragic moment that must not divide communities.”
Meanwhile, neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore expressed support, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stating,
“Our thoughts are with Indonesia. We pray for swift recovery for those affected.”
Conclusion: Police Continue Probe as Victims Recover
As investigations continue, authorities in Jakarta are working to determine what triggered the explosion that injured dozens of worshippers during Friday prayers. While the cause remains unclear, police have confirmed that terrorism has not been established as a motive, and early evidence suggests a possible accidental or localized blast.
For now, Indonesia’s capital remains on alert, with heightened security measures in place to prevent further incidents and reassure the public.
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