Authorities Investigate School Explosion in North Jakarta
A Closer Look at the Incident
On November 7, 2025, a blast occurred at SMA Negeri 72 in North Jakarta, prompting authorities to widen their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event. Initial findings indicate that the minor suspected in the explosion may have engaged with violent content online and potentially procured explosive materials through internet channels.
Seizure of Evidence
The Jakarta Police have confiscated the suspect’s laptop, citing it as crucial evidence in unraveling the online activities leading up to the explosion. Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto stated, “We are examining this information in depth,” highlighting the importance of understanding what the suspect was engaged in prior to the incident.
The Role of Online Influence
Preliminary reports from Indonesia’s counterterrorism unit, Densus 88, suggest that the minor reportedly accessed online platforms that feature graphic depictions of violence and crime, including content from the dark web. Investigators have discovered that he was involved with the True Crime Community (TCC), which discusses real criminal cases in detail.
Officials from the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) express concern over the potential impact of such exposure on young individuals still in their formative years. However, there have been no established connections between the minor and any organized extremist groups.
The Discovery of a Replica Weapon
In the aftermath of the explosion, police recovered a toy rifle at the scene, showcasing inscriptions tied to known mass murderers. Images obtained by Beritasatu.com depict this black toy rifle resembling an AR-15, decorated with phrases such as “For Agartha,” and names of several convicted mass killers, including Brenton Tarrant, Anton Lundin Pettersson, and Alexandre Bissonnette. Although authorities confirmed the rifle is a replica, the inscriptions are still under scrutiny.
Brenton Tarrant is infamous for the 2019 mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, which resulted in 51 fatalities. The 2017 attack on a Quebec City mosque, led by Bissonnette, left six individuals dead, while Pettersson’s racially motivated sword attack in a Swedish school killed three in 2015. Authorities have indicated that it is too early to decipher if the inscriptions suggest an ideological motive.
Insights from the Family
Relatives of the minor have provided statements indicating that the suspect may have ordered explosive materials online. Upon delivery, family members mistakenly believed the items were harmless and intended for a school project. “There was no indication to the family that the items were dangerous,” Budi noted. The investigation is still determining how these materials were acquired, as the suspect is currently unfit for questioning due to medical conditions.
Family’s Observations
The minor’s family, including a father and sibling, have undergone questioning. They reported no discernible changes in behavior leading up to the explosion, emphasizing a lack of any unusual activities. Additionally, police have engaged with injured students to reconstruct the events surrounding the incident.
Due to injuries sustained in the blast, the minor remains hospitalized and has only recently been taken off a feeding tube. Doctors have noted ongoing health issues, including nausea and confusion, indicating he is not yet prepared for questioning. Budi remarked, “They said he is still disoriented and can only speak briefly.”
Ongoing Investigations and Support Initiatives
As authorities continue their investigation, they have reiterated that there’s no evidence linking the minor to a terrorist organization, suggesting that this incident may represent an isolated action.
To mitigate distress among students and staff returning to school, North Jakarta Police and local residents have initiated cleanup efforts in the affected area. Psychological support teams from Jakarta Police and the National Police headquarters are currently stationed at the school, providing necessary trauma recovery assistance to victims and survivors.
Budi emphasized, “Trauma recovery for victims, students, and teachers will continue until professionals declare them fully stable.” The explosion resulted in injuries to 96 individuals, with some sustaining severe injuries. Investigators anticipate that the inquiry will persist as digital analyses progress and the minor’s health improves.
