Explosions at Jakarta high-school mosque injure at least 54

On 7 November 2025, just after midday, two or more explosions rattled the mosque at SMA Negeri 72 Jakarta, a state high school located within a naval residential compound in the Kelapa Gading district of North Jakarta.

The blasts occurred during the Friday sermon, causing panic as grey smoke filled the prayer hall and students and staff fled the scene.

According to the police, at least 54 people — mostly students — sustained injuries ranging from cuts and glass-shard wounds to more serious burns. Some 20 victims remain hospitalised, with three in serious condition, as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Initial response and scene

Witnesses reported hearing a loud blast near the mosque’s loudspeaker area, followed by a second explosion, prompting immediate evacuation.

One staff member at the canteen recalled, “I thought it was an electrical wiring problem … then a white smoke billowed from the mosque and we ran out.”

Security forces swiftly cordoned off the compound and dispatched an anti-bomb squad to the scene.

In the immediate aftermath, authorities found a toy rifle and a toy gun near the mosque entrance, raising alarm over their role in the incident

Suspect and investigation

By Saturday, police had identified a 17-year-old male student from the school as the main suspect. He remains hospitalised after sustaining injuries in the blast.

According to Indonesian National Police (Polri) chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, investigators found “supporting evidence” at the suspect’s residence, including writing materials and powder that could potentially have caused explosive effects.

The toy gun featured inscriptions referencing white-supremacist slogans and the name of a convicted extremist, signals prompting police to examine possible radicalisation or ideological motivation rather than purely personal grievances.

At the same time, officials are investigating the suspect’s background, including reports he had suffered bullying at school and multiple exposures to violent content online.

Despite these findings, the Indonesian authorities have been cautious about labelling the case an act of terrorism.

Deputy Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Lodewijk F. Paulus emphasised the need for a full investigation before concluding motive and classification.

Broader context and concerns

The incident is highly unusual for Indonesia, where most recent militant attacks have targeted “Western” institutions rather than mosques themselves. The fact that the location is a school compound, and the suspect a student, marks this event as unusual and potentially indicative of emerging risks within educational settings.

Security analysts note that teenage perpetrators influenced by extremist content online pose a distinct challenge: younger, self-radicalised actors operating without direct group affiliation. Dr Ridlwan Habib, an analyst at University of Indonesia, commented that “this is the first time in Indonesia that an attack has occurred inside a school carried out by a 17-year-old student and the target was his own friends.”

Government and institutional responses

In response, authorities have mobilised medical and psychological support services for the victims, many of whom are adolescents traumatised by the event. Police have also tightened security protocols at school mosques and are reviewing access and monitoring of student behaviour and materials.

The local government in Jakarta and the education ministry have pledged coordination with security forces to ensure student safety in all religious and extracurricular settings within schools.

Police said further details will be released once the suspect recovers enough for questioning.