Jakarta School Explosion: Investigation Focuses on Online Radicalization, Father Questioned
The investigation into the explosion at SMAN 72 in North Jakarta is intensifying, with authorities focusing on the perpetrator’s online activities and questioning his father, as 20 victims remain hospitalized as of Thursday, November 13, 2025. The incident has prompted a swift response from both law enforcement and the Ministry of Communication and Digital, aiming to curb the spread of extremist content.
Explosion and Initial Investigation
Police are actively investigating the explosion that occurred at SMAN 72, having already questioned the father of the individual identified as being in conflict with the law (ABH). According to a senior police official, the father was questioned last Tuesday. Details regarding the specifics of the questioning have not yet been released, with authorities stating, “Please take your time,” when pressed for further information.
Digital Footprint and Content Blocking
A concerning aspect of the investigation has emerged regarding the perpetrator’s online behavior. Densus 88 Anti-terror Police revealed the individual frequently visited online communities displaying extreme violent content on the dark web. This discovery led to immediate action by the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), which coordinated with the National Police to block access to numerous sites and social media content accessed by the suspect.
“After coordinating and receiving data from the National Police, Komdigi immediately acted quickly by blocking a number of sites containing elements of violence and explosives which were known to have been accessed by the suspected perpetrator of the explosion at SMAN 72 Jakarta,” stated the Director General of Digital Space Monitoring at Komdigi, Alexander Sabar. The blocking process involved verification to ensure the sites contained violent elements, and also extended to social media accounts and channels promoting similar content.
Victim Status and Forensic Analysis
The immediate aftermath of the explosion saw a large number of casualties. Investigators have so far examined 46 student witnesses, gathering information about the events leading up to the incident. Apsifor (Association of Forensic Psychology) continues to collect evidence from the bodies of the victims at RSIJ, focusing on fragments such as nails embedded in the victims’ bodies.
As of 13:00 WIB on Thursday, November 13, 2025, 20 victims are still receiving treatment at three hospitals:
- Jakarta Islamic Hospital: 13 victims
- YARSI Hospital: 6 victims
- The National Police Hospital: 1 person
Governor Addresses Bullying Claims and Potential Influences
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung addressed concerns about bullying as a potential motive, stating, “Our friends or children from SMA 72 all said that there was no bullying.” However, Pramono highlighted the perpetrator’s difficult family situation – separated parents – and suggested a possible influence from social media.
“If you look at the seven bombs he prepared, the way he carries them, then his clothes like Rambo and so on, maybe this is the influence of YouTube, social media,” Pramono continued. He has directed the DKI Jakarta Education Service and Health Service to provide comprehensive support, including psychological assistance, to both the perpetrator and other students affected by the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities committed to uncovering the full extent of the perpetrator’s motives and preventing similar incidents in the future.
