JAKARTA, Indonesia — A 17-year-old Indonesian student, suspected of orchestrating a bomb attack on a high school mosque last week, had no ties to militant networks but was driven by online extremism, authorities revealed on Tuesday. The teenager, who remains hospitalized after undergoing two surgeries, was among the 96 injured in the blasts that rocked Jakarta on Friday. Police described him as a loner, deeply influenced by violent and extremist content he encountered online. Jakarta Police Director of General Criminal Investigation, Iman Imanuddin, stated that the boy felt isolated and lacked avenues to express his grievances, which motivated his actions. The suspect assembled seven explosive devices using rudimentary materials such as 6-volt batteries, plastic jerry cans, remote controls, and sharp nails. Four of the bombs detonated, while the remaining three were safely secured by authorities. Henik Maryanto of the police mobile brigade unit confirmed that the suspect acted alone, following online instructions. Investigators also recovered a toy submachine gun inscribed with white supremacist slogans and the names of notorious extremists, including neo-Nazis and the Columbine High School shooter. Mayndra Eka Wardhana, spokesperson for the elite counterterrorism squad, emphasized that while the teenager was inspired by these figures, there was no evidence of direct links to terrorist networks. The suspect faces charges of premeditated serious assault, which could result in up to 12 years in prison. Authorities reported that over half of the injured students suffered hearing loss, with four experiencing sudden deafness. Eleven students remain hospitalized, including one in critical condition due to severe burns.
An Indonesian teen suspected in mosque attack built bombs alone at home, police say
