An explosion tore through a mosque within a Navy compound in North Jakarta on Friday afternoon, leaving at least 55 people injured, including several children and teachers. The incident occurred during crowded Friday prayers inside a mosque located in the Kelapa Gading area, prompting chaos, panic, and a swift emergency response across the Indonesian capital.
Authorities confirmed that the blast took place around 12:30 p.m. local time and that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause. Early reports suggest the explosion originated inside the mosque’s prayer hall, though officials have not ruled out foul play. Police identified a 17-year-old suspect believed to be involved, though his motive remains under investigation.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and terror as the explosion echoed through the compound. “The explosion was so loud that I could barely breathe from the shock,” said Luciana, a 43-year-old school canteen worker who was nearby at the time. She recalled hearing two separate blasts and seeing people fleeing barefoot from the mosque in panic. “At first, I thought it was the sound system that exploded, or maybe a short circuit. Everyone was terrified and ran out,” she said.
Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri told reporters that all injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Many suffered burns and lacerations, with several in critical condition. “We have secured the area, sealed off the mosque, and are conducting a forensic investigation to identify the source of the explosion,” Suheri said at a televised press briefing.
Emergency responders, including police bomb squads and medical teams, cordoned off the area shortly after the incident. Television footage broadcast by KompasTV showed the mosque — a small green-painted building with rows of shoes lined outside — surrounded by yellow police tape. The exterior appeared largely intact, suggesting that the blast was likely confined to the interior.
Deputy Chief Security Minister Lodewijk Freidrich confirmed that investigators believe two separate explosions occurred in quick succession. “We are currently verifying the sequence and source of the blasts,” he told the state news agency Antara.
The mosque, located within a Navy-administered school complex, typically hosts both students and local residents for Friday prayers. Several children from the adjoining school were among the injured.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding whether the explosion was accidental or deliberate. The incident has raised security concerns in Jakarta, particularly because the blast occurred inside a military-controlled facility. The Indonesian Navy and local police have jointly taken over the investigation, with forensic experts combing the site for chemical and explosive residues.
As of Friday evening, traffic in the Kelapa Gading area remained restricted, and police urged the public to stay away from the scene while rescue and investigation operations continued.
