A massive explosion at a mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia, during Friday prayers has left dozens injured, according to police reports. The incident took place inside a mosque located within a school complex in the Kelapa Gading area of North Jakarta.
Jakarta city police chief Asep Edi Suheri stated that at least 54 people were taken to nearby hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to severe burns. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion, but investigations are currently underway.
Local news channel KompasTV showed images of the mosque — painted green — with police tape surrounding it and shoes lined up outside, suggesting that worshippers were inside when the explosion occurred. Despite the blast, there was no visible structural damage to the mosque’s exterior.
Police teams quickly secured the area, conducted a crime scene investigation, and sterilized the surroundings. “We have taken several measures such as investigating the crime scene, setting up a police line, and ensuring public safety,” said Police Chief Suheri.
According to Indonesia’s state news agency Antara, Deputy Chief Security Minister Lodewijk Freidrich reported that there were actually two explosions within the mosque premises.
Witnesses described a heavy security presence, with black-clad officers carrying rifles guarding the entrance. Armoured police vehicles and ambulances were also seen outside the compound.
The mosque complex is situated on navy-owned land, an area known to house military officers and retired personnel. Authorities have yet to determine whether the explosion was accidental or a deliberate act.
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Although Indonesia has faced terror attacks in the past targeting churches and Western locations, such incidents at mosques are extremely rare. Islamist militancy in the country has largely been contained in recent years, but officials are not ruling out any possibilities until the investigation is complete.
