Terrorism in Indonesia: Bandung Bomb, No Casualties, Suspect Shot
Panic arose in Bandung (West Java) after a low-explosive, homemade bomb exploded on Monday morning (27/02) around 09:00 am local time near Pandawa Park in Cicendo. Indonesian police said there were no casualties. The man who allegedly detonated the bomb fled to an urban community office building before being shot by police about two hours after the explosion (and rushed to a local hospital where he is currently being treated). A second suspect, a woman, fled on a motorcycle. Police is still looking for her.
According to sources within Indonesian Police, the two suspects may be linked to the terrorist group Jamaah Anshar Daulah (JAD), which is also known as Jamaah Anshar Daulah Khilafah Nusantara (JAKDN). This organization was responsible for the Islamic State-inspired attack in Jakarta in January 2016. The suspect who was shot in a brief fire fight with police allegedly demanded the release of several terrorist suspects from prison.
The bomb was detonated in the courtyard of a local government office. After 2009 Indonesian Muslim militants have been targeting at symbols of the Indonesian state (rather than targeting at foreigners) due to the success of Indonesia's Police (especially Indonesia's anti-terror police unit called Densus 88) in the battle against terrorism.
As seen before in recent terrorist attacks in Indonesia, the attack in Bandung was highly unprofessional. The bomb that was detonated was described as a pressure cooker filled with nails.
For a detailed analysis of radical Islam in Indonesia (and terrorist attacks) we refer you to our Radical Islam section.