JAKARTA SCHOOL BLASTS: 96 INJURED AS POLICE PROBE MOTIVE

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- The number of victims injured during the two explosions at the State Senior High School (SMAN) 72 mosque on Friday rose to 96, from the initial 54, Indonesian police confirmed on Sunday.

As the victims received treatment in hospitals, assessment by medical authorities revealed many of them suffered burns and shrapnel wounds from the blasts.

The incident occured during Friday prayers at the school’s mosque located in the Navy housing complex in Kelapa Gading district, north Jakarta.

“Of the victims, 29 remain in hospitals in three locations, while the others have been discharged and continue outpatient treatment,” National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo said after visiting them on Saturday.

Sigit noted that students affected were determined to return to school, and the police, together with the Child Protection Commission, plan to set up a trauma centre to support their mental health.

The 17-year-old alleged suspect detained in connection with the case, a student at the school, underwent surgery to his head and remains under police guard in the intensive care unit.

“His condition is gradually improving following intensive treatment, and he will assist in the investigations if required,” Sigit added.

Authorities discovered a suspicious powder at his home, which is now being analysed by a forensic laboratory.

Investigators are looking into all possible motives, including ideological influences, social media exposure, and reports that the suspect had been bullied.

The Densus 88 counter-terrorism unit is investigating possible links to terrorist networks, though no evidence has emerged so far, the statement said.

Police have urged the public not to speculate while investigations are ongoing.

-- BERNAMA