Jokowi Urges Indonesians to Stay Calm Following Jakarta Bomb Attack

Solo, Central Java, 28 Sha’ban1438/25 May 2017 (MINA) – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called on Indonesians across the country to remain calm following a suicide bomb attack at the Kampung Melayu bus terminal, here, Wednesday evening.

“I call on all citizens across the country to remain calm and maintain brotherhood. We must always maintain calm,” Antara News quoted Jokowi as saying at his private residence, here, Thursday.

The head of state particularly urged citizens to maintain tranquility during the upcoming Islamic fasting month of Ramadan that will start on Saturday.

“Maintain harmony, as these days Muslims are preparing themselves to observe the Ramadan fasting month,” he added.

President Jokowi instructed Chief of the National Police General Tito Karnavian to quell the network of the suicide bombers.

“I have ordered the National Police chief to totally crush the network of the perpetrators. We have instructed to quell it until its roots,” he stated.

The President also expressed his condolences to the victims and families of the suicide bombing.

“I convey deep condolences to the victims and their families, including those still in hospital and dead, particularly the police officers on duty,” Jokowi stated.

Two suspected suicide bombers killed three Indonesian police officers and injured 10 people on Wednesday night (May 24) in twin blasts near the bus terminal in the eastern part of the capital.

The blasts occurred five minutes apart, respectively at 9 p.m. and 9:05 p.m. local time.

The police officers were on duty to guard a group of people who were holding a torch parade welcoming the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. The parade had not yet passed by when the blasts occurred.

Ten others — five policemen and five civilians — were wounded and taken to several hospitals for treatment. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj IslamicNews Agency (MINA)