Explosion at Jember Mosque during Tarawih prayers investigated by police

An explosion took place at a mosque in the Pesona Regency residential area, Patrang District, Jember Regency, East Java. The incident occurred whilst tarawih prayers were being conducted on Monday evening (16 March). The incident resulted in no loss of life but caused damage to the mosque’s roof and ceiling, and triggered panic amongst congregants and nearby residents.

The mosque’s management official, Muhammad Fadil, stated that the explosion occurred around 19:30 WIB whilst worship was taking place.

“The explosion was quite loud and could be heard in the neighbouring village,” he said on Tuesday morning.

He explained that the source of the explosion was in an area near the male ablution facility, which resulted in damage to the ceiling and a bookcase display in the mosque. As a result of the incident, one congregant reportedly suffered hearing loss and was taken to the emergency unit at RSUD dr Soebandi hospital.

“One person was taken to the emergency unit due to suspected hearing loss,” he said.

Meanwhile, the head of the criminal investigation unit (Kasat Reskrim) of the Jember police, AKP Angga Riatma, stated that police immediately took action upon receiving a report from the public.

“Police immediately sterilised the location and launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion,” he said.

Police have also erected a security cordon at the scene and established a security perimeter. The public has been urged not to approach the area as the investigation is ongoing. Additionally, a bomb disposal team (Jibom) was deployed to ensure the location was safe from further potential danger.

To date, police are still processing the crime scene and have been unable to conclude the precise cause of the explosion. As a precautionary measure, worship activities at the mosque have been temporarily halted to ensure public safety.