Cakarta Mosque Explosion (2025)

Cakarta Mosque Bombing was a series of explosions that occurred during Friday prayers on 7 November 2025 at the mosque located within the campus of State Senior High School 72 (SMA Negeri 72) in the Kelapa Gading area, north of Jakarta, the capital of Endonezya. A total of 96 people were injured, most of them students. The cause of the explosions has not yet been definitively established. The investigation is being conducted by Indonesian police, bomb disposal units, and the Counter-Terrorism Unit (Densus 88).

Course of Events

The explosion occurred around 12:30 local time, as students and teachers had gathered for Friday prayers. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a powerful blast coming from the rear of the mosque during the sermon, followed within seconds by the building being filled with thick smoke. It was reported that the congregation panicked and rushed toward the exits, with many people injured by flying glass shards and the pressure wave.

The explosions took place at the mosque located within the school campus, which lies within the boundaries of the TNI-AL (Indonesian Navy) Kodamar base in northern Jakarta. Initial reports suggested the blast could have been caused by an electronic device malfunction or a wiring system fault. Some witnesses stated they heard multiple explosions.

Condition of the Injured

Ninety-six people were injured in the incident, the majority of whom were students and teachers. Most of the injured sustained minor wounds, while three individuals were admitted to intensive care due to severe burns and trauma. The Jakarta Governor’s Office announced that all medical expenses for the injured would be fully covered by the DKI Jakarta Special Region Administration.

Governor Pramono Anung visited the injured at Cempaka Putih Islamic Hospital and confirmed that the government would bear all treatment costs. Two crisis response teams were established at Cempaka Putih and Yarsi hospitals to provide support to the families of the injured.

Security and Investigation

After the incident, Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri stated that the area had been fully secured and that the investigation was being carried out from multiple angles. Bomb disposal and forensic teams conducted a detailed examination around cami.

At the scene, investigators found fragments of wiring, a remote control device, airsoft-type toy guns, and objects resembling pistols. The connection between these items and the explosion has not yet been confirmed. Police are evaluating possible causes including electrical short circuits, electronic device malfunctions, or deliberate use of explosives.

The Indonesian Counter-Terrorism Unit Densus 88 has been brought into the investigation. Unit spokesperson Mayndra Eka Wardhana stated that authorities are examining whether any terrorist links exist. According to Reuters, a 17-year-old individual was taken into custody as a “suspected perpetrator” and interrogated. Preliminary investigations determined that this person was a student at the school.

Eyewitness Accounts and Scene Details

Mathematics teacher Budi Laksono said the explosion occurred during the sermon with a loud blast from the rear of the mosque, and within seconds the entire hall was engulfed in smoke. Some students collapsed injured, and most of the congregation fled in panic. After the incident, classroom activities were suspended and the entire school was temporarily placed under a security cordon.

Gegana (bomb disposal) units under the Jakarta Police Organization fully sterilized the area and closed it off to prevent the risk of a second explosion. TNI-AL personnel also established security checkpoints around the school.

Government and Official Responses

On 10 November 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stated that restrictions on certain online games were being considered in the aftermath of the Jakarta bombing. Presidential Spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi reported that Subianto emphasized the need to examine the negative impact of online games on youth.

Hadi said, “The President underscored the need to evaluate restricting online games and explore ways to address their harmful effects.” He specifically noted that online war-themed games such as “PUBG” were exposing young people to weapons and violent behavior.

It has been confirmed that one of the suspects linked to the explosion was a student at the school. The fake weapons and toy rifles found at the scene are currently under investigation.