Mysterious Explosion hits a Mosque in Jember, Police Conduct Probe

Jember: A mysterious explosion occurred at a mosque in a housing complex in Jember, East Java, during tarawih prayers on Monday night, with police still investigating the cause.

No fatalities were reported, but the blast damaged parts of the mosque and triggered panic among worshippers and nearby residents.

"The explosion was loud and was heard in the neighboring village," mosque caretaker Muhammad Fadil said early Tuesday, as quoted from Antara, March 17, 2026.

He said the explosion occurred at around 7:30 p.m. local time during tarawih prayers, causing worshippers to rush out of the mosque in the Pesona Regency housing complex, Patrang Sub-district.

One person was taken to the emergency unit of dr Soebandi Regional Hospital after reportedly suffering hearing impairment.

The explosion occurred near the men's ablution area, damaging the mosque's ceiling and a bookshelf display cabinet.

Jember Police's criminal investigation chief, Adjunct Commissioner Angga Riatma, said officers immediately went to the scene after receiving reports from residents.

"Police secured the site and launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion," he said.

Police have set up a perimeter and urged residents to stay away as a bomb disposal unit was deployed.

"We have not yet determined the cause and are still processing the crime scene," he added.

The police also asked mosque authorities to temporarily suspend activities for safety reasons.