Police investigate motive behind bomb blast in Padang

Padang (ANTARA) - Police are investigating the motive behind a bomb explosion at a school in Padang, West Sumatra, on Tuesday (14/7), which was allegedly carried out by a student with the initial R (17). Head of the Padang Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Commissioner M Yasin, stated on Tuesday that initial investigations found the motive was bullying experienced by the perpetrator. “From the initial examination, we found that the motive of perpetrator R was bullying,” said Commissioner M Yasin. Perpetrator R recounted that he had experienced bullying, both verbal and non-verbal, from primary school up to his current third year at a state Islamic senior high school (MAN). The bomb blast is suspected to be R’s way of showing his existence or asserting his identity within his social circle. The initial investigation also revealed that R learned how to make the explosive device on his own from the internet. He sourced the necessary raw materials and tools from online shops and assembled the device by himself. The assembled device had been stored at his home before he brought the dangerous object to school on Tuesday and detonated it. The bomb explosion startled the school community and damaged several items, but caused no fatalities. As of Tuesday evening, R was still being held at the Padang Police headquarters for initial questioning, accompanied by his parents. While conducting the initial examination, the Padang Police are also awaiting instructions and coordination from the National Police Headquarters and the Special Detachment (Densus) 88 Anti-Terror for further handling.