Explosion Occurs at Mosque in Jember During Tarawih Prayers

Jember, East Java — A mysterious explosion occurred at a mosque in the Pesona Regency residential area in Patrang District, Jember Regency, East Java, on Monday evening whilst tarawih prayers were taking place.

The explosion caused no fatalities but caused damage to the mosque’s roof and sparked panic among worshippers performing tarawih prayers and residents in the housing estate.

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

According to him, the explosion occurred at approximately 7:30 pm during tarawih prayers, causing many residents to rush out of their homes.

“One person was taken to the emergency unit at dr Soebandi General Hospital with suspected hearing damage,” he said.

He explained that the explosion occurred near the male ablution area and caused damage to the ceiling and the mosque’s bookshelf display.

Meanwhile, Jember Police Crime Investigation Unit Chief AKP Angga Riatma said his team immediately went to the location after receiving information from the community.

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

He stated that police established a perimeter at the mosque and urged residents not to approach the area as Jember Police brought in bomb disposal experts.

“We cannot yet conclude the cause of the explosion and we are still examining the crime scene,” he said.

Police cordoned off the mosque location and requested mosque officials to temporarily suspend community activities at the mosque for safety reasons.