President Jokowi Condemns Suicide Bombing Attack at Makassar Church

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) condemned the suicide bombing in front of Cathedral Church in Makassar, South Sulawesi on Sunday.

"In regard to the terror act at the entrance gate of Makassar Cathedral Church today, I strongly condemn the terror act," Jokowi said at the Bogor Presidential Palace in Bogor,West Java on Sunday.

A bomb exploded at 10.30 a.m. local time at the entrance gate of Makassar Cathedral Church, allegedly killing two suicide bombers and injuring 14 people.

The explosion occurred when churchgoers were just finished Sunday Palm services.

"I have ordered the Indonesian Police Chief to investigate thoroughly the (terrorist) networks and uncover it to its root," Jokowi stressed.

The President said, terrorism is a crime against humanity and has no relations to any religious teaching.

"All religions are against terrorism whatever the arguments. All state apparatus will not let this terror acts happen," he noted.

Jokowi has called on people to remain calm because the state guarantees people's safety to perform worship without fear.

Fourteen people were injured due to a suicide bomb attack outside Cathedral Church in Makassar, South Sulawesi on Sunday morning, police said.

The Indonesian Police spokesman Insp. Gen Pol Argo Yuwono said three of the injured are being treated at Stella Maris Hospital, seven at Akademis Hospital, and four at Pelamonia Hospital.

Some body parts were also found along with damaged motorcycle in the suicide bombing attack scene. It is believed the body parts belonged to two suspected suicide bomb attackers. Shortly before the explosion, two people on a motorcycle tried to enter the church compound and were stopped by church security personnel.

Read: MUI Condemns Suicide Bombing Attack in Makassar Cathedral Church

ANTARA