Indonesian Mosque Explosion Uncovers Mysterious Substance: Authorities Investigate Potential Threat

Indonesian police found what appears to be explosive powder while investigating blasts that injured dozens of worshippers at a Jakarta mosque during Friday prayers. Authorities suspect a 17-year-old student carried out what they believe was an attack.

Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said investigators discovered several pieces of evidence during their probe into the explosions at the mosque in Indonesia's capital. The suspect, a student at a school near the mosque, is recovering after surgery and his condition is improving.

"We found several supporting pieces of evidence," Prabowo told reporters after visiting injured victims at a hospital. "There were written materials and some powder that may have caused an explosion."

The police chief said investigators are gathering additional information by examining social media platforms and interviewing family members to build a complete picture of what happened.

The timing of the blasts during Friday prayers - when mosques are typically packed with worshippers - raised immediate concerns about a deliberate attack. Indonesia has faced sporadic terrorist incidents over the years, though major attacks have become less frequent in recent times.

The 17-year-old suspect underwent surgery on Friday and is now in stable condition. Police hope to question him once he's well enough to provide information about the incident.

Authorities haven't released details about the suspect's possible motives or whether he acted alone. The investigation continues as police work to determine exactly what caused the explosions and whether additional security measures are needed at religious sites across the country.

The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, where authorities work to prevent extremist attacks while protecting religious freedom and public safety.