Police investigate student suspected of assembling bomb in Padang school

Authorities in Padang, West Sumatra, are investigating a 17-year-old student suspected of assembling a homemade bomb that exploded at a local high school. The incident occurred Tuesday at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) 3 Padang.

Polresta Padang is questioning the student, identified as R, to understand the full scope of his activities. Investigators aim to determine how he obtained the raw materials and equipment, the methods used for assembly, and his underlying motives for creating the bomb.

"The perpetrator has now been secured and is undergoing initial examination at Polresta Padang," stated Kompol M Yasin, Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit. Due to his age, R is being questioned with his parents present. Preliminary information suggests R taught himself bomb-making techniques through the internet.

The explosion happened around 11:30 AM local time within the school grounds, near a classroom. While the blast caused some property damage and startled students and staff, no injuries were reported. Further investigation will involve coordination with the National Police Headquarters and Detachment 88 (Densus 88) Counterterrorism unit.