There Were 2 Suicide Bombers Trying To Break Into Makassar Cathedral

The motorbike of the suicide bomber at the Makassar Cathedral (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - 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.