Suicide Bombing At Makassar Cathedral, Acting Governor Of South Sulawesi: Innalilahi, Our Condolences

MAKASSAR - Acting Governor of South Sulawesi (Sulsel), Andi Sudirman Sulaiman, is concerned about the bomb incident at the Makassar Cathedral Church.

"Innalilahi Wa Innailaihi Roji'un, our condolences for the alleged suicide bombing at the Makassar Cathedral Church," said Andi Sudirman, Sunday, March 28.

Andi Sudirman, who is on a working visit to Wajo Regency, continues to communicate with the South Sulawesi Regional Police.

"We continue to coordinate with the Chief of Police and support the Police to investigate this case. Of course, we strongly condemn all forms of violence (suicide bombings), let alone cause other people to be injured," he concluded.

Acting Governor of South Sulawesi asked the police to tighten guarding of houses of worship to avoid and anticipate this recurring incident.

Andi Sudirman also asked for public participation to avoid speculation and hoaxes

"To community leaders, religious leaders, media journalists, and security forces let's work together to provide clear information to the public while waiting for the results of further investigations," he appealed.

He advised to increase awareness in order to minimize the potential for security and stability disturbances in the community.

"To public figures, religious leaders, media journalists, and security forces let's work together to provide clear information to the public while waiting for the results of further investigations," he concluded.

The National Police Headquarters said there were two suicide bombers at the Makassar Cathedral, South Sulawesi (Sulsel). The perpetrator, who was riding the motorbike, tried to break into the churchyard but was prevented by the officers.

"There were two people who rode on a DD 5984 ND motorbike which then an explosion occurred in front of the gate of the Makassar Cathedral church," said Head of Public Relations of the Indonesian Police, Inspector General Argo Yuwono to reporters, Sunday, March 28.

According to Argo, the suicide bomber was about to break into the church courtyard. At that time, the Palma Mass had finished at around 10.30 a.m local time.

"The two men (riding motorbikes, red) were prevented by church security and then the explosion occurred," continued Argo.

The motorbike used by the suicide bomber at the Makassar Cathedral was destroyed. There are also body parts of the perpetrator who is being identified.

"We're checking again because we found some pieces (of the body). Then we'll check whether it's from both of them," said Argo, talking about the condition of the suicide bombers.

Previously, the Head of South Sulawesi Regional Police (Sulsel), Inspector General Merdisyam, said that the suicide bombing at the Makassar Cathedral Church was categorized as a high explosive.

"The type of temporary explosion can be said to be high explosive because the explosive power is quite high. In the church there is no significant damage, only outside, at the gates and vehicles,” said Inspector General of Merdisyam in Makassar, Sunday, March 28.