Indonesia mosque blast: Police find explosive powder, probe radicalisation angle after 100 injured

Indonesian police have found what they believe to be explosive powder as they investigate blasts that rocked a mosque in Jakarta on Friday, injuring nearly 100 people during prayers. Authorities said the explosions could have been a deliberate attack, with a 17-year-old student identified as the suspected perpetrator.

“Several pieces of supporting evidence were found,” police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said at a press conference after visiting victims at a hospital. “There were written materials and some powder that could have potentially caused an explosion,” he said. “We are gathering other records, including examining social media and family members to gather all the information.”

The suspect, a student at a nearby school, is recovering after surgery. “The suspect’s condition is improving, and hopefully this will make things easier for us when needed,” Prabowo added.

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At another briefing on Saturday, Prabowo confirmed that investigators had seized “some writings, evidence of potentially explosive powder, and other notes” from the suspect’s house. “We are examining social media records and interviewing families. Once this is complete, we will announce the details,” he said.

He noted that police were probing whether the student had been radicalised or bullied. “That is one of the pieces of evidence we are currently collecting in our efforts to uncover the motive,” he said. “Whether he follows a certain doctrine, or is exposed to content or things that interest him, or what reasons make him do that, we are all currently investigating.”

The explosion caused injuries ranging from minor wounds to severe burns, with the suspect and another person still in intensive care. “We are also building a trauma healing centre, which we are preparing to provide psychological services,” Prabowo said.

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The mosque, located within a naval housing complex in Jakarta, serves many military personnel and retirees. Forensic teams continue to work at the site.

While Indonesia has faced attacks in the past—mostly targeting Western interests—explosions at mosques are rare. Authorities said Islamic militancy has been largely curbed in recent years.