The suspected perpetrator of the State Senior High School (SMAN) 72 Jakarta bombing had a history of visiting dark web communities, according to National Police’s Densus 88 Counterterrorism Squad.

In a statement on Monday, November 10, 2025, Densus 88 spokesperson Adjunct Senior Commissioner Mayndra Eka Wardhana revealed that the suspect often accessed online forums and underground websites known for hosting violent or graphic materials.

“The individual frequently visited online communities, particularly on the dark web. These sites typically display photos or videos of people who have actually died often from accidents, wars, murders, or other brutal incidents,” Mayndra told reporters.

He, however, declined to disclose specific details about the dark web platforms allegedly accessed by the suspect, citing the ongoing investigation.

Earlier, Mayndra confirmed that the suspect had carried seven homemade explosive devices intended for use during the attack at SMAN 72, located within the Kodamar Navy Housing Complex in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, on Friday, November 7, 2025.

“Two bombs exploded at the first scene (the mosque); one bomb each exploded at the Public Reading Park and the Waste Bank site. Three other bombs did not detonate,” Mayndra said.

According to police reports, the first explosion occurred at around 12:15 p.m., during Friday prayers, followed by a second blast moments later in a different area of the school. Witnesses described scenes of panic as worshippers and students fled in confusion.

The blasts caused dozens of injuries, mainly burns and shrapnel wounds, and triggered widespread alarm in the surrounding community. Preliminary investigations suggest that the attacker was a student at the school.

Victims’ care

President Prabowo Subianto expressed his deep concern following the incident and instructed authorities to prioritize the victims’ treatment and recovery.

“This is something we deeply regret. The President has ordered that attention to the victims must remain the first priority,” State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said, relaying the President’s message from the Merdeka Palace on Friday, November 7, 2025.

Prasetyo added that Prabowo viewed the attack as a stark reminder of the need for increased vigilance and community awareness, especially in schools and public spaces.

“The President emphasized that this must serve as a warning to all of us to stay alert, to care for our surroundings, and to protect one another,” Prasetyo said.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung announced on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 that SMAN 72 had resumed normal activities after several days of closure. He said the city administration had given the school full discretion to decide whether to continue online or return to face-to-face classes.

“In-person learning can now resume safely. We are giving the school full freedom to choose the learning format,” Pramono told reporters.

He added that online classes had initially been implemented following the explosion, but many students had requested to return to the classroom.

Investigation continues

Authorities are still examining the suspect’s motives, online activities, and access to bomb-making materials, with Densus 88 working closely with cyber and forensic units to trace digital footprints.

The incident has reignited national debate over youth radicalization and online extremism, particularly the role of dark web platforms and encrypted communities in spreading violent ideologies.