Padang Police Investigate Student Suspected of Assembling Bomb

The Padang Police in West Sumatra are investigating a 17-year-old student suspected of assembling a bomb after an explosion occurred at MAN 3 Padang on Tuesday (14/7/2026). The investigation aims to delve into R’s activities, from sourcing raw materials and equipment to the assembly method and the motive behind making the bomb. “The perpetrator has been detained and is undergoing initial examination at the Padang Police headquarters,” said Padang Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head Commissioner M Yasin in Padang. As R is still a minor, the examination is being conducted with the accompaniment of the student’s biological parents. Based on preliminary information, R is known to have learned how to make or assemble bombs autodidactically via the internet. Yasin stated that further handling is pending coordination with the Indonesian National Police Headquarters and the Densus 88 Anti-terror unit, as well as directives from the Padang Police Chief. The incident began with an explosion on the grounds of MAN 3 Padang at around 11.30 a.m. Western Indonesian Time. There were no fatalities in the incident. However, the blast startled school residents and caused damage to several items. Following the incident, R was taken into custody at the Padang Police station for initial examination with parental accompaniment.