Bullying Allegedly Behind Student's Homemade Bomb at Padang Madrasah

A 17-year-old student identified as R brought a homemade bomb that was detonated at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) 3 Padang, West Sumatra. The incident is suspected to have been triggered by bullying.

The explosion occurred on Tuesday (14/7) at the school in Balai Gadang, Koto Tangah District, Padang City. National Police Densus 88 Antiterror spokesperson Commissioner Mayndra Eka explained that the suspected bomb was first discovered by a school security officer. No casualties were reported in the blast, which occurred once beside a classroom.

Following the discovery, the school immediately reported the incident to the police. Officers secured several items, including a black box, a black bag, a mobile phone, firecrackers, a knife, arrows, marbles, bolts, and other objects. Initial investigations strongly suggest the items belonged to R.

Police revealed that R’s motive for bringing and detonating the homemade bomb was bullying. Head of Public Relations for the West Sumatra Regional Police, Commissioner Susmelawati Rosya, stated that R had frequently been the target of mockery from friends, causing deep psychological distress. R admitted to being bullied by one person at school but also reported experiencing similar treatment since childhood, with the bullying by classmates intensifying since the second year of Madrasah Aliyah.

Authorities have confirmed that R has no affiliation with any terrorist network. The police are currently focusing on R’s recovery, and the student has been taken to the Padang Police Station for further examination. Psychological rehabilitation is being prioritised, and coordination with relevant regional organisations is underway to support the recovery process. Police have also conducted trauma healing for other students at the school.

Investigations into the alleged bullying are ongoing, with 12 witnesses, including teachers and security guards, having been examined so far.