Homemade Bomb Explodes at MAN 3 Padang, Suspect Believed to Be Student

An explosion caused by a homemade bomb occurred at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) 3 Padang in West Sumatra. The perpetrator is a student at the school.

“Yes, a student. Initial R (17),” said National Police Densus 88 Anti-terror spokesman Senior Commissioner Mayndra Eka when contacted by journalists on Tuesday (14/7/2026).

The explosion took place on Tuesday (14/7) at MAN 3, Balai Gadang Village, Koto Tengah District, Padang City. The West Sumatra Regional Police together with the National Police’s Densus 88 Anti-terror unit are investigating the case.

“It exploded once, next to a classroom. There were no casualties,” he stated.

Senior Commissioner Mayndra Eka Wardhana explained that the object suspected to be a homemade bomb was first discovered by a school security officer. The school then immediately reported the incident to the police.

“From the initial examination, 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,” he said.

Following an investigation, police conducted an initial handling of R. Based on the preliminary investigation results, R is suspected of being the owner of these items.

“The identity of the victim referred to as the target of the planned action comes from the perpetrator’s statement and still requires further investigation,” he said.

Based on the suspect’s initial statement, the device was allegedly assembled independently using materials obtained online and made at home without his parents’ knowledge.

“The perpetrator also admitted to having joined a number of online groups discussing the manufacture of explosives. All of these admissions are still in the process of verification and further investigation by law enforcement officials,” said Mayndra.

Mayndra explained that the perpetrator admitted to being inspired to obtain explosive materials by the bomb case at SMAN 72 Jakarta. Police are currently still investigating this motive.

“The perpetrator also admitted to learning how to make explosive materials online and was inspired by the bomb incident at SMA Negeri 72 Jakarta in 2025. This motive is still being investigated by the investigative team,” he clarified.

There were no fatalities related to the incident. R and the evidence have been secured by the police. Densus 88 and the West Sumatra Regional Police are taking statements from witnesses to further investigate the case.