National Police Investigates Suicide Bombing At Makassar Cathedral In Connection With Arrested Terrorist Network

Guard around Makassar Cathedral church area (DM MKS/VOI)

JAKARTA - The National Police is still investigating the connection between the suicide bomb explosion at the Makassar Cathedral Church and dozens of suspected terrorists who were arrested by Counterterrorism Special Detachment 88 (Densus 88) in the South Sulawesi in early January.

"It is not certain for that," said Head of Public Relations of the South Sulawesi Regional Police, Grand Commissioner E. Zulpan, to reporters, Sunday, March 28.

All things from the scene of the incident are ensured by Grand Commissioner Zulpan to be explored. Even the scene of the incident is being carried out.

However, Zulpan said the allegations would be investigated. Later, everything will be conveyed if there is new information.

"Our technical update will be in the next few minutes," he said.

Previously it was reported that the explosion in the area of a suicide bombing took place in the vicinity of the Cathedral Church, Makassar City, Sunday, March 28. As a result of this explosion, several people became victims.

Meanwhile, the Head of South Sulawesi Regional Police (Sulsel), Inspector General Merdisyam, said 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.

There are 9 people injured, namely 5 church officials and 4 congregants who are now being treated in a number of hospitals in Makassar. Meanwhile, the suicide bomber died at the scene.

"Currently, we can confirm that there is a body suspected of being a suicide bomber. Data and identification are being carried out by the crime scene," he continued.

The suicide bomb explosion at the Makassar Cathedral church, Kajaolalido Street, Ujung Pandang, Makassar occurred at around 10:35 a.m central Indonesia time or 5 minutes after the Palma Mass at the Cathedral ended. The perpetrator was detained by church officials at the gate who were suspicious of his actions.

"There was a motorbike that wanted to enter the parking lot, but was detained by church officials. At that time there was an explosion which resulted in the victim being the perpetrator and the residents," continued Merdisyam.

Before the terror action at the Makassar Cathedral, Counterterrorism Special Detachment 88 (Densus 88) moved to South Sulawesi in early January 2021. Two suspected terrorists were shot dead in Makassar City, South Sulawesi. Both are suspected of being a pro-ISIS JAD group.

The two suspected terrorists were shot for resisting the police when they were about to be arrested. This operation was carried out by Densus 88 Anti-terror in the Villa Mutiara Biru housing estate, Biringkanaya, Makassar.

Apart from Biringkanaya Makassar, Densus 88 was active in other areas in South Sulawesi at that time. A total of 19 people — two died — were arrested in the ambush of suspected terrorists in South Sulawesi. The evidence of the suspected terrorists was confiscated.

"A series of bombs, six rifles, sharp weapons, badik, machetes, swords, weapons, samurai, bows, and books are radically provocative in nature," South Sulawesi Police Chief Inspector General Merdisyam said at a press conference on Thursday, January 7.