Causing a Stir, 'Iran Missile' Firecracker Launched from Pamekasan After Eid al-Fitr Prayers
A group of youths set off a giant rocket firecracker inscribed with ‘Iran’ after Eid al-Fitr prayers in Pamekasan Regency, Madura, East Java, on Saturday, 21 March 2026. The explosion was so powerful that it could be heard in the neighbouring village.
The jumbo-sized firecracker, producing a massive bang, evaded action by officers from the Pamekasan Police Resort. The rocket firecracker was detonated by residents of Badung Village, Proppo Subdistrict, at around 08:30 WIB on Saturday morning, in a rice field embankment area.
Despite numerous firecracker incidents claiming victims in Pamekasan, the residents still dared to make firecrackers in various models, naming them uniquely such as ‘Titanic Ship’, ‘Monas Monument’, and ‘Iran Missile’.
The act of igniting the firecrackers was also broadcast live on social media. In the live stream, there were many sarcastic comments directed at the authorities. “Where are the police? It’s fine here. Tell them to come, I’ll give them cigarettes,” said one netizen.
Additionally, comments noted that the firecracker was very dangerous for everyone. “Beware of danger,” explained another netizen.
The act of lighting firecrackers in various shapes was confirmed by a resident named Bahri. He admitted that the firecrackers had become an annual tradition, although not all community members agreed with the hazardous act.
“Yes, what can we do? Here, every year we light firecrackers. Even though the act is actually dangerous,” he stated.
However, according to Bahri, the act of lighting the homemade firecrackers did not hit any residents; only the explosive force was immense and audible in the neighbouring village.
“Earlier, it was heard in the neighbouring village until my friend called to ask about the firecracker explosion,” he revealed.
With the jumbo firecracker still being lit after Eid al-Fitr, residents believe the authorities were caught off guard as no prior action was taken.
It is known that within the past week, firecracker victims in Pamekasan have already claimed seven people. The victims suffered severe burns and injuries from explosions.