Eyewitness Stories Of Monas Explosion, Seeing Billowing White Smoke

Location of the smoke grenade explosion at Monas (Wardhany Tsa Tsia / VOI)

JAKARTA - The explosion occurred in the area of the National Monument (Monas), this morning. Two people became victims, Serka Fajar and Praka Gunawan, who suffered injuries to the hands and thighs. Both of them were taken to Gatot Subroto Hospital for treatment.

This explosion was witnessed by a cleaning officer in the Monas area, Rifan, who was recounted to VOI, Tuesday, December 3.

Rifan remembers this incident very well. When the explosion occurred, he was sweeping the fallen leaves in the Monas complex. While carrying out his duties, suddenly a loud thud could be heard.

His ears buzzed after the explosion. Because the distance between him and the scene is quite close, only about 20 meters.

The first time he did was get down on the ground. Then, then turn your head to look for the direction of the incident.

The first sight, white smoke filled the trees. Although fear had enveloped his feelings, curiosity could not be held back. He got up from his prone, while his footsteps moved closer to the scene.

"Yes, a lot of smoke has reached the top. The color (smoke) is white, slightly white," said Rifan.

Not only seeing the billowing smoke, from where he stood, a heartbreaking sight was seen in his eyes. A person was lying on the ground covered in blood. He saw that the man's fingers were not intact. Later, it was discovered that this person was a TNI member who was exercising.

A few moments later, the victim's colleague came on a motorbike. He observed his friend's condition and sought reinforcements.

Several minutes passed, Rifan's gaze was shifted by the sound of an ambulance siren, which then the medics immediately approached to provide help and took the victim to the hospital.

Infographics (Ilham Amin / VOI)

Relevant officials directly hold a press conference at the location. The press conference was held by the Head of the Metro Jaya Regional Police Inspector General Gatot Eddy Pramono and the Regional Military Commander Major General TNI Eko Margiyono. They said that the explosion that occurred in the National Monument (Monas) area did not come from a bomb, but a smoke grenade.

The Pangdam Jayakarta Maj. Gen. Eko Margiyono explained that there were two victims in this incident. Namely, Serka Fajar who was badly injured in his left hand and Praka Gunawan who had a thigh injury. Both of them have been evacuated to the Army Hospital for serious treatment.

"This is nothing extraordinary," said Eko Margiyono.