Minister Abdul Mu'ti Visits Jakarta School After Bomb Threat, Joins Students for Morning Exercise

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti visited SDN Srengseng Sawah 15 in South Jakarta on Tuesday to observe the new student orientation period (MPLS). The visit came days after the school was evacuated on the first day of term following a bomb threat that was later determined to be a hoax.

Mu’ti participated in morning exercises with teachers and pupils. In his address, he urged the children to return to school with renewed spirit and enthusiasm for meeting new, kind friends. ‘Your report card grades are not the most important thing. What matters is that you are all eager to learn, okay? So once again, welcome back to school with a new spirit,’ he said.

He also encouraged the students to have ambitions, calling them the hope of the nation. Mu’ti invited several new pupils to the stage to share their dreams. One student named Olivia aspired to be a doctor, Ray wanted to become an astronaut, and Yusuf hoped to join the police force. ‘Whatever your ambition, it is a hope you wish to achieve when you grow up,’ he told them.

The minister also promoted the ‘Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children’. He called on a student named Arka from class 3A, who successfully recited the habits: waking up early, praying, exercising, eating nutritious food, enjoying learning, resting, and socialising. Arka received a bag as a prize from Mu’ti. The minister later interacted with students, asking about their favourite foods and sports, and joined them for a meal. ‘Alhamdulillah, the atmosphere was cheerful and they were all enthusiastic about returning to learning,’ he said.

Mu’ti expressed appreciation for the support of partners including the police, education authorities, teachers, and parents. During the orientation, police also provided education on school safety and played with the students.

Regarding the bomb threat earlier in the week, police arrested a 34-year-old man with the initials MY. Investigations revealed that prior to targeting the school, the suspect had sent a similar threatening message to the head of his local neighbourhood association. ‘The neighbourhood head knew the suspect, so he was immediately asked to communicate. The incident happened some time ago and only came to light after we secured him following the bomb threat sent to the school,’ said Senior Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, Director of Criminal Investigation at Polda Metro Jaya.

Iman stated that the suspect’s motive was primarily mischief, though he also admitted to personal disappointment. ‘Initial findings from our investigation indicate he acted out of mischief, but he also mentioned personal disappointment, though this was about his life, not the school,’ Iman explained. Police had previously confirmed the school was safe after a four-hour sweep by the bomb squad, counter-terrorism unit Densus 88, the National Counterterrorism Agency, and K-9 units.