Densus 88 Reveals Suspect in MAN 3 Padang Explosion is a Student

The Special Detachment (Densus) 88 Anti-terror of the Indonesian National Police has revealed that the suspected perpetrator of the explosion at MAN 3 Padang, West Sumatra, on Tuesday is a 17-year-old student. Densus 88 Anti-terror spokesperson, Senior Commissioner Mayndra Eka Wardhana, stated that the incident began when a school security officer discovered an item suspected to be an improvised bomb on the school grounds. “From the initial examination at the scene, officers secured a number of items, including a black box, a black bag, a mobile phone, firecrackers, a knife, arrows, marbles, bolts, and several other items,” Mayndra said in his statement. During questioning, the suspect, identified as R, admitted to learning how to make explosives through online media and was inspired by the bomb incident at SMA Negeri 72 Jakarta in 2025. “The suspect also admitted to having joined several online groups that discuss the manufacture of explosives. All of these admissions are still in the process of verification and further investigation by law enforcement officials,” Mayndra said. Mayndra confirmed that there were no fatalities or injuries in the explosion. All items believed to belong to the suspect have been secured as evidence for further investigation.