MAN 3 Padang Activities Return to Normal After Bomb Explosion

Activities at MAN 3 Padang, West Sumatra, have returned to normal following an incident involving a homemade bomb on Wednesday (15/7). Field observations showed new and existing students mingling together in the student orientation programme known as Mata Muda (Masa Taaruf Murid Madrasah). Koto Tangah Police Chief, Kompol Afrino, delivered a lecture and briefing, and a group from the Padang Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs was also present. Meanwhile, a number of security officers were seen guarding the area outside the school building. “Today, Alhamdulillah, activities are running normally. The children came in as usual. Some had already arrived by 06.30 WIB for Quran memorisation, Tahfidz. By 06.45 everyone was here. Then we gathered them for the morning assembly,” said MAN 3 Padang Head, Marliza, to CNNIndonesia.com. Marliza explained that the morning assembly and enjoyable activities were carried out as part of efforts to address trauma. “To heal the trauma of our own students, we provided education and also asked the children about their condition, whether they had any worries. But Alhamdulillah, as we saw earlier, the children did the exercises happily, with no signs of worry on their faces,” she explained. Marliza admitted she was unaware of any reports that bullying at the school had caused the incident. “As far as we know, from the data we have, he never reported it. He has never reported it. His friends also did not report it,” she said. Separately, the Head of the West Sumatra Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Mustafa, confirmed that conditions at MAN 3 today were conducive and that learning activities were proceeding normally after the blast at the madrasa. Mustafa arrived with the Head of Madrasah Education, Tangusli, and a team to inspect the location directly. “We immediately went to the location to ensure the condition of the madrasa. Alhamdulillah, the situation remains conducive and activities at the madrasa are running as they should,” said Mustafa. He stated that the handling of yesterday’s explosion incident has been fully handed over to the West Sumatra Regional Police. The Regional Office respects the investigation process being carried out by the authorities and continues to coordinate with the Padang City Ministry of Religious Affairs Office, the madrasa, and other relevant parties. The Regional Office also urged the public to remain calm and wise in receiving information, advising them not to easily believe or spread unverified information. “We want to ensure all students feel safe and comfortable at the madrasa. The most important thing now is to restore a conducive learning atmosphere through mentoring, guidance, and good communication between the madrasa, parents, and the authorities,” said Mustafa. A loud explosion occurred at MAN 3 Padang on Tuesday (14/7) afternoon. The blast was triggered by a homemade bomb allegedly brought and planted by a student at the school, located in the Balai Gadang area, Koto Tangah District, Padang.