Densus 88 Explores Allegations Of Links To The Perpetrators Of The SMAN 72 Explosion With The Terror Network

The Head of Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto, gave a statement on the explosion case at SMAN 72 Jakarta at Polda Metro Jaya, Jakarta. (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The connection between the alleged perpetrators of the explosion at SMAN 72 Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta on Friday (7/11) afternoon and the terror network continues to be explored by the Special Detachment (Densus) 88.

"Densus 88 analyzes whether this has anything to do with other terrorists, including what the motive is. That is the authority of Densus 88," said Head of Public Relations of Polda Metro Jaya Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto at Polda Metro Jaya, as reported by ANTARA, Saturday, November 8.

Budi said the police were continuing to investigate the explosion case that occurred at SMAN 72, Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta.

Currently, the team from Densus 88 is analyzing a number of aspects, including the motives and social media activities of the alleged perpetrators.

"Investigations on the alleged perpetrator's social media activities are also being carried out. This is to investigate the possibility of the perpetrators joining an online group or community that has an affiliation with certain terror groups," explained Budi.

Previously, public questions had arisen regarding the possibility of a connection between the explosion case at SMAN 72 and the threat of bombs in several schools that occurred in early October.

Including at the North Jakarta Intercultural School. However, according to Budi, so far there has been no indication that it leads to a relationship between the two events.

"So far, no connection has been found. But it will definitely be investigated by the Densus and competent work units related to their respective main tasks," said Budi.

Apart from Densus 88, a number of other work units were also involved in handling this case. The Gegana Brimob team first carried out sterilization at the scene considering the findings of explosives, before being continued by the Puslabfor Team at the National Police Headquarters which carried out the crime scene (TKP).

"The police measures that have been taken involve several work units, not only Polda Metro Jaya, but also Densus 88, Puslabfor Police Headquarters, and North Jakarta Police," said Budi.

In handling this case, he said, the police also paid attention to the aspect of child protection. This is because both victims and suspected perpetrators are still children.

For this reason, the National Police cooperates with the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) and the trauma healing team to provide assistance for students affected by the incident.

Trauma healing is a process of recovering emotional wounds due to traumatic events such as disaster, violence, or loss

"We need to convey that this is an incident involving children who are in conflict with the law (ABH). So there are special rights that must be fulfilled, including protection of identity and special treatment of children," said Budi.

Furthermore, he expressed the hope of the National Police Chief General Pol Listyo Sigit Prabowo and the Metro Jaya Police Chief so that learning activities at SMAN 72 can return to normal soon.

"Mr. National Police Chief and the Metro Jaya Police Chief hope that schools will return to normal soon and learning activities can recover," he said.

He also appealed to the public to be wise in responding to this incident and not to easily spread information that has not been verified.

According to him, public empathy and caution are very important so that the investigation process can run well without causing unrest.

"We appeal together to the whole community so that we can empathize, we are wiser to tackle, handle this incident," said Budi.

On Friday (7/11) at around 12.15 WIB, there was an explosion in the SMA Negeri 72 Jakarta in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, precisely in the Navy Kodamar (AL) complex.

According to witness testimony, the explosion occurred while students and teachers were praying Friday at the mosque at the school. The first eruption was heard while the sermon was in progress, followed by a second explosion that was thought to have originated in a different direction.

The explosion caused the victims to experience various injuries, including burns and wounds from debris, as well as sparked panic from school residents and the surrounding community.

Based on the initial investigation, the perpetrator is suspected to be one of the students from the school.

The student reportedly experienced bullying which was suspected to be the motive for carrying out the action.

At the location, objects similar to airsoft guns and revolvers were also found which after the examination it was confirmed that the weapons were toys.