Post by : Rameen Ariff

Jakarta, Indonesia — Authorities in Indonesia have announced that a 17-year-old student, believed to be behind last week’s mosque bombing at a high school in Jakarta, created several explosive devices within his home. The explosions resulted in injuries to 96 individuals, including the adolescent, who is currently recovering in a hospital after undergoing two surgical procedures.

The police have identified the teenager as a reclusive individual with an obsession for violent materials encountered online. They have clarified that while he was fascinated by global extremist ideologies, he had no formal affiliations with any militant groups.

“This individual felt compelled to act because he perceived himself as isolated and lacked avenues for voicing his grievances to his family, school, or community,” stated Iman Imanuddin, Director of General Criminal Investigation for Jakarta Police.

According to investigations, the young suspect crafted seven bombs using readily available materials, including 6-volt batteries, plastic jerry cans, remote controls, and sharp nails designed to inflict maximum damage. Out of these, four bombs detonated, while the remaining three were safely neutralized by law enforcement officials.

Additionally, police unearthed a toy submachine gun adorned with white supremacist phrases and names of various international extremists, encompassing neo-Nazis involved in attacks in Canada and Italy, as well as the Christchurch mosque shooter and the Columbine High School assailants. “These symbols and figures merely represent a violent ideology that inspired the teenager, yet we found no direct connections to any terrorist organizations,” explained Mayndra Eka Wardhana, a spokesperson for the counterterrorism division.

Given Indonesia’s stringent anti-terror laws, the accused may not be charged under terrorism charges but could face serious premeditated assault allegations, which might lead to a prison sentence of up to 12 years.

Reports indicate that more than half of the injured students are suffering from hearing loss, with four cases of sudden deafness. Currently, eleven students are hospitalized, one of whom is in critical condition due to burn injuries.

This incident has sparked worries regarding the risk of online radicalization among youth and the dangers related to the availability of instructions for homemade explosive devices.

#Global