Indonesian student detonates homemade bomb at school, reportedly due to bullying

A homemade bomb exploded at MAN 3 school in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, on Tuesday, reportedly carried out by a 17-year-old student identified as R. The incident has prompted a response from the Vice Minister of Religion, Romo R Muhammad Syafi'i, who urged against jumping to conclusions before official investigations conclude.

Syafi'i suggested that psychological issues might have driven the student's actions, drawing parallels to a similar incident at SMAN 72. He stressed that such problems should concern everyone and announced that several ministries under the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Kemenko PMK) have agreed to form a task force to create a comfortable and safe educational environment, extending beyond schools to public spaces and digital platforms.

The police have secured the student, who allegedly retaliated against persistent bullying by creating a low-explosive device. Densus 88 spokesperson Kombes Mayndra Eka Wardhana stated the perpetrator learned to make explosives online, inspired by a similar incident in Jakarta in 2025. The motive is still under investigation. The task force will also provide assistance to victims of bullying and, in collaboration with law enforcement, address perpetrators based on proven intent. The Legal Aid Institute (LPSK) will support victims who are afraid to speak out and also assist the perpetrator in recounting their experiences to prevent future incidents.