Jump to content

2021 Makassar cathedral bombing

Coordinates:5°8′9.8″S119°24′37.5″E/ 5.136056°S 119.410417°E/-5.136056; 119.410417
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2021 Makassar cathedral bombing
Part ofterrorism in Indonesiaandpersecution of Christians in the modern era
2021 Makassar cathedral bombing is located in Makassar
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Sacred Heart Cathedral
2021 Makassar cathedral bombing (Makassar)
LocationSacred Heart Cathedral,Makassar,South Sulawesi,Indonesia
Date28 March 2021, Palm Sunday
±10:28WITA(UTC+8)
TargetChurchgoers
Attack type
Suicide bombings
Deaths0 (+2 terrorists)[1]
Injured20
Perpetrators
MotiveAnti-Christian sentimentfueled by radical Islamic extremism

TheMakassar cathedral bombingwas an attack occurred on 28 March 2021, around 10:28Central Indonesia Time(UTC+8) at theSacred Heart Cathedral(Indonesian:Gereja Katolik Hati Yesus yang Mahakudus) inMakassar,South Sulawesi,Indonesia, during aPalm Sundayservice.[2][3][4]It was the first church bombing in Indonesia since the13 May 2018 bombings of three churchesinSurabaya.

Bombing[edit]

The bombing happened outside theSacred Heart Cathedral of Makassar,the oldest church in the city, while aPalm Sundayservice was being conducted inside. The explosion occurred at the southeastern gate of the cathedral, near the intersection of Thamrin and Kajaolalido streets. According to police, the perpetrators were riding a motorcycle and intended to enter the church when they were stopped by police in front of the cathedral. When the perpetrators were asked to get off the motorcycle, the blast occurred.[5][6]

Several churchgoers were reportedly injured in the attack. The South Sulawesi regional police described the incident as a suicide bombing.National Policespokesman Argo Yuwono said there were two perpetrators of the attack.[7]

The bombing location was in the vicinity of Makassar City Police headquarters and City Hall. Human remains were found at the scene.[8]The two perpetrators were the only people killed by the blast, which also injured 20 people.[1][7][9][10]A CCTV recording showed three pedestrians and a car passing the site moments before the explosion occurred.[5]

Perpetrators[edit]

The attack was conducted by two suicide bombers riding aHondaBeat motorcycle.[11]The motorcycle's annual taxation was overdue for five months and was not paid.[12]

The Indonesian authorities identified one of the bombers hours after the attack. He was described as a member of a terrorist cell which carried outanother attack on a cathedralinJolo,Philippines, in 2019.[13][14]The other perpetrator, a woman, by then was under examination.[15]On the next day, the identity of both perpetrators were revealed by the police. The perpetrators were just married for 6–7 months prior to the bombing.[16]They were confirmed as members of the Jamaah Ansharut Daulah.[17]Prior to the action, the husband signed a last will and testament – which subsequently found by the police during a raid on their house – saying about the bombing, farewell messages, and willingness todie as an Islamic martyr.Upon the bombing, the police apprehended many of the perpetrators' accomplices around the country.[18]

An Indonesian scholar on terrorism, Al Chaidar, earlier had said that the attack was carried byIslamic terroristgroupJamaah Ansharut Daulah(JAD), which also responsible for the Jolo attack.[19]

On 30 March 2021, National Police announced a new fact regarding the perpetrators and perpetrators' accomplices in South Sulawesi. It was found that they were joined same JAD'smajlis ta'lim(study group) and also pledged allegiance toISIL's proposed caliphate at one ofIslamic Defenders Front(FPI) office in South Sulawesi. Police also revealed the presence of a JAD's study group that involved in determining target, mapping, and planning of the bombing.[20][21]

Nearly one month after the bombing, on 27 April 2021, former FPI General Secretary and Muhammad Rizieq Shihab's close confidante,Munarman,captured by Police.[22]He was captured due to possessing the knowledge about the terrorist network, but choose to hide it. Not only that he also involved in inciting people to commit terrorism and conspiring with terrorists against the state.[23]He also charged by police to be involved with "bay'ah"of terrorists' group and their pledge of allegiance to ISIL in Makassar, Jakarta, and Medan terror networks.[24]

On 8 December 2021, Munarman trial held. The trial was held in close for public in accordance to the Law on Terrorism, but summary of the trial procession is made available. In the trial several facts brought into the light. Included into summaries were: his involvement in Makassar terror network, his past underground publications praising Al-Qaeda terrorism acts, and his pledge to ISIS.[25][26]

Allegations of ex-Islamic Defenders Front ties and support[edit]

In search of perpetrators' accomplices around the country, National Police launched raids across the country.[27]During raids on various places such as in Condet (East Jakarta), Serangbaru (Bekasi Regency), andBima,the police found numerousbanned organizationIslamic Defenders Front(FPI) uniforms, apparels, and membership cards. FPI itself was anIslamic fundamentalistorganization led by Rizieq which had been banned by the government in December 2020 fordeclaring supportforISIL.They also found five unexploded but armedIEDs,explosives precursors enough to make up to 70 bombs, books, and documents.[28][29]Moreover, one of alleged bomb maker captured in Condet was identified as a member ofLaskar Pembela Islam(LPI, Islamic Defenders Paramilitary), the paramilitary wing of the FPI and reported as one among its first members.[30]Another captured member of Condet cell was also identified as a high-ranked FPI member. He is a former vice head of FPI's Department of Jihad and State Defense, which oversees the LPI. He was caught in camera present atMuhammad Rizieq Shihab's trial at the East Jakarta State Court.[31]Despite that, the chairman ofIslamic fundamentalistgroup212 Movement Alumni,Slamet Ma'arif, denied any FPI involvement.[32]Aziz Yanuar, Rizieq Shihab's lawyer, told that Rizieq knows the former vice head and aware of his capture, but chose not to give any comment.[33]

JAD connection with FPI is still questionable. However, Zainal Anshori, former national leader of JAD, confessed on 9 February 2021, that the current JAD was actually found in 2005 from the disavowed Lamongan branch of FPI.[34]Earlier that month, several members of JAD in Makassar were captured. At that time, it was found that the captured JAD members were also affiliated with FPI.[35]

Further investigation also revealed many former FPI members involved. Confessions of captured members of Makassar terrorist network which were released on 3 March 2021, suggesting that the bombing also partially motivated by trial process of Muhammad Rizieq Shihab and asking for state to release him, at all costs even by force. Aside of this, based from the confessions,Islamic supremacism,nativism,anti-corporatism,andanti-China sentimentelements also take part as the motive of the bombing. The investigations hinted that the cathedral bombing might a part or larger plot involving now former FPI members.[36][37]

On 27 April 2021, Munarman, former FPI general secretary captured by police. While he was captured in afternoon in his residence, police subsequently launched raid to former FPI headquarters at Petamburan III St., Jakarta. Police confiscated many documents, forbidden attributes, and also large amount of "white powders" (later known as one of explosive precursor,potassium nitrate) andacetone(TATPprecursor) stored there.[38][39]

Reaction[edit]

Alissa Qotrunnada[id],the eldest daughter of former president and democracy activistAbdurrahman Wahid,offered her condolences and condemned the attack as a "wound of the nation".[40]Minister of Religious AffairsYaqut Cholil Qoumasalso condemned the attack.[41]Nahdlatul Ulamacondemned the attack, stating that anything that harms social harmony is never justified.[42]Amnesty Internationalcondemned the attack as "an insult tohuman rightsprinciples ".[43]Makassar mayorRamdhan Pomantourged people to stop sharing photos and video footages of the explosion.[44]He planned to visit the scene and phoned the pastor of the church to confirm that there were no victims from the church's congregation.[45]The Indonesian Churches Fellowship (PGI) asked people to be calm and trust the authorities to investigate the attack, while they also discouraged people from sharing images of the attack.[46]Indonesian vice presidentMa'ruf Aminurged police to investigate the attack as fast as possible.[47]PresidentJoko Widodostrongly condemned the attack in a news conference later on.[48]

The chairman of Islamic fundamentalist group 212 Movement Alumni, Slamet Ma'arif, also condemned the bombing and called on the public not to speculate on the motive of the attackers. He claimed that the attack had nothing to do with religion, so the public should instead focus on Muhammad Rizieq Shihab's trial and the police's December 2020 killing towards members of the Islamic Defenders Front.[49]

Subsequent event[edit]

On 31 March 2021, the National Police headquarters in Jakarta wasattackedby an armed assailant. The assailant, a woman wearingniqāb,was shot dead by the police after firing shots several times.[50][51][52]

References[edit]

  1. ^abAgung Sandy Lesmana (28 March 2021)."Diduga Beraksi Naik Motor Matik, 2 Pelaku Bom Gereja Makassar Tewas di TKP".Suara.Archivedfrom the original on 23 June 2022.Retrieved28 March2021.
  2. ^"Explosion rocks church in Makassar: Police".The Jakarta Post.28 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  3. ^Cahya, Yuddy; Nangoy, Fransiska (28 March 2021). Perry, Michael (ed.)."Indonesia police: explosion in Makassar suspected to be a suicide bombing".Reuters.Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  4. ^"Makassar explosion: Worshippers wounded in Indonesian church bombing".BBC News.28 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  5. ^abMappiwali, Hermawan (28 March 2021)."Pastor: Pelaku Bom Bunuh Diri Berusaha Masuk ke Gereja Katedral Makassar".Detik(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  6. ^"Pelaku Bom Bunuh Diri di Makassar Diduga Kendarai Motor".CNN Indonesia(in Indonesian). 28 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  7. ^abAl Ayyubi, Sholahuddin (28 March 2021)."Pelaku Bom Bunuh Diri di Gereja Katedral Makassar Dua Orang".Bisnis.Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  8. ^"Potongan Tubuh Ditemukan Usai Bom di Gereja Katedral Makassar".CNN Indonesia(in Indonesian). 28 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  9. ^Santosa, Dwi Argo (28 March 2021)."Ledakan Bom, Polda: Tidak Ada Jemaat Gereja Katedral Makassar Menjadi Korban".BeritaSatu(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  10. ^Wahil, Yusuf; Karmini, Niniek (28 March 2021)."Suicide bomb hits Palm Sunday Mass in Indonesia, 20 wounded".Associated Press.Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  11. ^"Hancur, Ini Motor yang Dipakai Pelaku Bom Gereja Katedral Makassar".Detik(in Indonesian). 29 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 29 March 2021.Retrieved29 March2021.
  12. ^"Pelaku Bom Bunuh Diri Makassar Beraksi Pakai Motor Matik yang Pajaknya Mati".Detik(in Indonesian). 28 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved29 March2021.
  13. ^"Indonesia church suicide bomber was member of pro-Islamic State group behind Jolo attack: Police".CNA.28 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  14. ^"Indonesia: Several injured in church suicide bombing".Deutsche Welle.28 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  15. ^Mappiwali, Hermawan; Taufiqqurahman, Muhammad (28 March 2021)."Pelaku Kedua Bom Bunuh Diri Makassar Wanita, Masih Diidentifikasi".Detik(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  16. ^Munsir, Ibnu (29 March 2021)."Ibu: Pasutri Pelaku Bom Bunuh Diri Makassar Baru Nikah 7 Bulan".Detik(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 29 March 2021.Retrieved29 March2021.
  17. ^"6 Hal yang Diketahui dari Pasutri Bomber Gereja Katedral Makassar".Detik(in Indonesian). 29 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 29 March 2021.Retrieved29 March2021.
  18. ^Mappiwali, Hermawan (29 March 2021)."Pelaku Bom Bunuh Diri Makassar Tinggalkan Surat Wasiat Siap Mati Syahid".Detik(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 29 March 2021.Retrieved29 March2021.
  19. ^Subarkah, Muhammad (28 March 2021)."Al Chaidar: Aksi Bom Bunuh Diri Makasar Dilakukan JAD".Republika.co.id(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  20. ^"Polri: Tersangka Teroris Makassar Baiat di Markas FPI".CNN Indonesia(in Indonesian). 30 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 30 March 2021.Retrieved30 March2021.
  21. ^Wijayaatmaja, Yakub Pryatama (30 March 2021)."Tersangka Teroris Bom Makassar Melakukan Baiat di Markas FPI".Media Indonesia(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 30 March 2021.Retrieved30 March2021.
  22. ^"Munarman Ditangkap Polisi!".detiknews(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 27 April 2021.Retrieved27 April2021.
  23. ^Dirgantara, Adhyasta."Ditangkap Densus, Munarman Diduga Gerakkan Orang Lain untuk Terorisme".detiknews(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 27 April 2021.Retrieved27 April2021.
  24. ^Dirgantara, Adhyasta."Munarman Ditangkap Terkait Baiat Teroris di 3 Kota".detiknews(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 27 April 2021.Retrieved27 April2021.
  25. ^Aprillya, Salma Rafifa."Sidang Munarman Digelar, Ini 5 Hal Terbaru yang Diketahui".detiknews(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 8 December 2021.Retrieved8 December2021.
  26. ^Putri, Zunita."Jaksa Sebut FPI Pernah Terbitkan Maklumat Dukung Seruan Al Qaeda".detiknews(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 8 December 2021.Retrieved8 December2021.
  27. ^"13 Terduga Teroris Diringkus Usai Ledakan Bom Makassar".CNN Indonesia(in Indonesian). 29 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 29 March 2021.Retrieved30 March2021.
  28. ^Guritno, Tatang (29 March 2021). Prabowo, Dani (ed.)."Dari Bom Aktif hingga Atribut FPI, Ini Temuan Polisi di 3 Lokasi Penggerebekan Terduga Teroris".Kompas(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 30 March 2021.Retrieved30 March2021.
  29. ^"Deretan Pernak-pernik FPI Ditemukan di Rumah Terduga Teroris".Detik(in Indonesian). 30 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 30 March 2021.Retrieved30 March2021.
  30. ^Kurniawan, Hasan (30 March 2021)."Punya Tato dan Suka Mabuk, Terduga Teroris di Ciputat Hijrah Setelah Dibui".Sindonews(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 23 June 2022.Retrieved30 March2021.
  31. ^Syarif, Helmi (29 March 2021)."Beredar Foto Terduga Teroris Condet saat Sidang Habib Rizieq".Sindonews(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 29 March 2021.Retrieved30 March2021.
  32. ^Maulana, Riezky (29 March 2021)."Atribut FPI Disita dari Terduga Teroris Condet-Bekasi, PA 212: Bisa Dibeli di Mana Saja".Sindonews(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 23 June 2022.Retrieved30 March2021.
  33. ^Lesmana, Agung Sandi; Hutasuhut, Yaumal Asri Adi (30 March 2021)."Rizieq Sudah Tahu Husein FPI Ditangkap karena Kasus Teroris, Tapi Bungkam".Suara(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 30 March 2021.Retrieved30 March2021.
  34. ^"Zainal Anshori Sebut JAD Jadi Sayap FPI Lamongan, Munarman Membantah".Detik(in Indonesian). 9 February 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 9 February 2021.Retrieved30 March2021.
  35. ^"Polisi Sebut Belasan Terduga Teroris JAD Makassar Anggota FPI".CNN Indonesia(in Indonesian). 4 February 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 29 March 2021.Retrieved30 March2021.
  36. ^"Pengakuan Teroris di Jakarta: Simpatisan FPI-Ingin Ledakkan Industri China".detiknews(in Indonesian). 3 April 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 3 April 2021.Retrieved7 April2021.
  37. ^"Penelusuran Jaringan Bomber Gereja Merambah Jagakarsa".detiknews(in Indonesian). 7 April 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 7 April 2021.Retrieved7 April2021.
  38. ^Viossa, Yussa Ariska (27 April 2021)."Atribut Terlarang Hingga Bahan Peledak Ditemukan di Eks Markas FPI".Detik(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 27 April 2021.Retrieved27 April2021.
  39. ^Ernes, Yogi (27 April 2021)."Atribut Ormas Terlarang-Dokumen Juga Ditemukan di Eks Markas FPI".detiknews(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 27 April 2021.Retrieved27 April2021.
  40. ^Alissa Wahid [@alissawahid] (28 March 2021)."Berduka sangat atas bom bunuh diri di Gereja Katedral Makassar pagi ini. Tidak ada korban jiwa dari umat gereja. Duka untuk luka batin bangsa yang menginginkan kedamaian"(Tweet) (in Indonesian).Retrieved28 March2021– viaTwitter.
  41. ^Firmansyah, Asep (28 March 2021). Setyorini, Virna (ed.)."Menag Yaqut kutuk keras aksi teror di depan Gereja Katedral Makassar".AntaraNews(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  42. ^Dewi, Anita Permata (28 March 2021). Subagyo, Triono (ed.)."PB NU kutuk keras peristiwa ledakan depan Gereja Katedral Makassar".AntaraNews(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  43. ^Ridwan, Muhammad (28 March 2021)."Kutuk Bom di Makassar, Amnesty International: Penghinaan Prinsip HAM".JawaPos(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 23 June 2022.Retrieved28 March2021.
  44. ^Antony, Noval Dhwinuari (28 March 2021)."Wali Kota: Setop Sebar Foto-Video Korban Bom Bunuh Diri Makassar!".Detik(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  45. ^"Bom di Depan Gereja Katedral Makassar, Ini Pernyataan Walikota Danny Pomanto".Pedomanrakyat(in Indonesian). 28 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 14 April 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  46. ^Firdaus, Iman (28 March 2021)."Imbauan PGI Soal Bom Makassar: Tenang, Percayakan Aparat dan Jangan Unggah Gambar Meresahkan".Kompas.tv(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 23 June 2022.Retrieved28 March2021.
  47. ^Sihaloho, Markus Junianto (28 March 2021)."Wapres Ma'ruf Amin Minta Polisi Segera Ungkap Dalang dan Motif Bom Makassar".BeritaSatu(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  48. ^"Jokowi Kutuk Keras Teror Bom Bunuh Diri di Depan Gereja Katedral Makassar".Detik(in Indonesian). 28 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 28 March 2021.Retrieved28 March2021.
  49. ^Sinaga, Fathan (28 March 2021)."Respons PA 212 soal Bom Bunuh Diri di Gereja Katedral Makassar, Singgung Sidang Habib Rizieq".JPNN(in Indonesian).Archivedfrom the original on 23 June 2022.Retrieved28 March2021.
  50. ^"Gunfire breaks out at Indonesian national police HQ in Jakarta".Al Jazeera.31 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 3 April 2021.Retrieved31 March2021.
  51. ^Da Costa, Agustinus Beo; Widianto, Stanley (31 March 2021)."Indonesian police shoot dead female attacker in gunfire exchange at police headquarters".Reuters.Archivedfrom the original on 31 March 2021.Retrieved31 March2021.
  52. ^Arnaz, Farouk (31 March 2021)."Woman Pointing Gun at Police HQ Shot to Death".Jakarta Globe.Archivedfrom the original on 31 March 2021.Retrieved31 March2021.