Police Delay Questioning of Student Bomb Maker in Padang Due to Trauma

Police have delayed the examination of a student with the initials R (17) suspected of detonating a homemade bomb at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) 3 Padang, West Sumatra. The questioning has not yet been conducted as authorities are waiting for the rehabilitation and recovery process to be completed. The perpetrator, who is still a minor, is believed to have suffered psychological shock following the incident. He reportedly assembled and detonated the bomb out of frustration after being a victim of bullying. Given his current condition, police assess that forcing an examination would affect the quality of his statement. The perpetrator is currently undergoing handling by an integrated team involving social rehabilitation, psychological rehabilitation, and social reintegration. This team comprises several regional apparatus organisations under the Padang City Government. The recovery process is scheduled to last until 28 July 2026, and an examination will be conducted once his condition is deemed fit. During the rehabilitation period, R is being housed in a safe house provided by the government, with supervision carried out by the Padang Police. The case remains under investigation by the Padang Police Criminal Investigation Unit, which has already examined several witnesses. The police investigation has so far revealed that R learned how to make the explosive device autodidactically from the internet over a period of about four months. He sourced the necessary raw materials and tools from online shops and assembled the device alone, secretly, without the knowledge of his parents or other family members. The device was then stored before he detonated it in his schoolyard on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, motivated by anger over being bullied. The National Police’s Densus 88 counter-terrorism unit previously disclosed initial facts behind the explosion at MAN 3 Koto Tangah, Padang.