Homemade Bomb Explodes at MAN 3 Padang, No Fatalities

A loud explosion at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) 3 Padang on Tuesday afternoon caused no fatalities. The blast was triggered by a homemade bomb allegedly brought and planted by a student at the school. Police have cordoned off the road leading to the school and are conducting a sweep, with dozens of fully equipped personnel on standby. Complete information regarding the incident is not yet available as officers continue their investigation, but it has been confirmed that the explosion caused no loss of life. “It exploded once, next to a classroom. There were no casualties,” said Densus 88 spokesperson Commissioner Mayndra Eka Wardhana in a written statement on Tuesday. He explained that police have arrested a student, identified by the initial R, aged 17, who is suspected of being the perpetrator. Mayndra said the suspect learned how to make explosives online, inspired by a similar attack at SMAN 72 Jakarta. “The perpetrator also admitted to learning how to make explosives online and was inspired by the bomb incident at SMA Negeri 72 Jakarta in 2025. The motive is still being investigated by the investigative team,” he stated. Meanwhile, West Sumatra Police Head of Public Relations Commissioner Susmelawati Rosya said the suspect allegedly carried out the act because he was frequently bullied at school. “So he retaliated by taking a shortcut, making a low-explosive bomb,” said Susmelawati Rosya.