Two suicide bombers attacked a Roman Catholic church compound in Makassar, Indonesia, on Sunday morning, injuring at least 20 people, according to state officials. While no deaths among the churchgoers have been reported, police say both attackers died in the blast.
The attack happened at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral around 10:30 a.m., as a round of mass was wrapping up at the church. The bombers attempted to enter the church compound on a motorbike and detonated at least one bomb; by an entrance to the compound, according to news reports.
The two suspected bombers both died, according to Indonesian police, and so far no other deaths have been reported. A security guard; who tried to stop two suspected bombers from entering the churchyard; is among the injured, Indonesian Police Inspector General Argo Yuwono told the media.
The suspects used a motorbike and detonated outside the church; which was holding Easter Holy Week services when they were stopped from entering the yard.
Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said the bombers were both believed to belong to the Islamic State-inspired Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), which is suspected of suicide attacks on churches and a police post that killed at least 30 people in the city of Surabaya in 2018.
In an online broadcast; President Joko Widodo condemned “this act of terrorism”, urged people to remain calm; and said the government would make sure they could worship “without fear”.
“I ask the public to remain calm; in carrying out their worship,” Widodo said adding, “Terrorism is a crime against humanity and has nothing to do with any religion.
“For the victims who were injured, we pray for immediate healing,” Widodo said, adding; that a “thorough investigation” has been ordered into the incident.