MAN 3 Padang Activities Return to Normal After Bomb Explosion

Activities at MAN 3 Padang in West Sumatra returned to normal on Wednesday (15 July) following an incident involving a homemade bomb explosion.

Field observations showed new and returning students mingling together during the orientation programme for new pupils, known as Mata Muda (Masa Taaruf Murid Madrasah).

The head of Koto Tangah police, Commissioner Afrino, delivered a talk and briefing to the students. A delegation from the Padang Ministry of Religious Affairs office was also present.

Meanwhile, a number of security officers were seen standing guard outside the school building.

“Today, thank God, activities are running normally. The students came in as usual this morning. Some had arrived as early as 6.30am Western Indonesia Time for Quran memorisation, as part of the tahfidz programme. By 6.45am everyone was present. We then gathered them for the morning assembly,” said Marliza, the principal of MAN 3 Padang.

Marliza explained that the morning assembly and other enjoyable activities were held as part of efforts to help students recover from the trauma.

“To help our students heal from the trauma, among other things we provided education, and we also asked the children how they were feeling and whether they had any worries. But thank God, as we saw earlier, the children did their exercises happily, with no sign of worry on their faces,” she said.

Marliza said she was unaware of any reports of bullying at the school that might have led to the incident.

“As far as we know, based on the records we have, the student never filed a report. He never reported anything, and neither did his friends,” she added.

Regional Ministry of Religious Affairs response

At the same location, Mustafa, head of the West Sumatra regional office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, confirmed that conditions at MAN 3 today were conducive and that learning activities were proceeding normally after the loud blast at the madrasah.

Mustafa arrived together with Tangusli, head of the Madrasah Education Division, and a team to directly inspect conditions at the madrasah.

“We came straight to the location to make sure of the madrasah’s condition. Thank God, the situation remains conducive and activities at the madrasah are proceeding as they should,” said Mustafa.

According to him, the handling of yesterday’s explosion has now been fully handed over to the West Sumatra regional police.

The West Sumatra regional office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs respects the investigation being carried out by the authorities and continues to coordinate with the Padang city Ministry of Religious Affairs office, the madrasah, and other relevant parties.

The office also urged the public to remain calm and exercise judgement when receiving information, and not to readily believe or spread unverified information.

“We want to ensure all students feel safe and comfortable at the madrasah. The most important thing now is to restore a conducive learning atmosphere through support, guidance, and good communication between the madrasah, parents, and the relevant authorities,” Mustafa said.

The loud explosion occurred at MAN 3 Padang on Tuesday afternoon (14 July). The blast was triggered by a homemade bomb allegedly brought and planted at the school by one of its students. The school is located in the Balai Gadang area of Koto Tangah district, Padang.