Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs Condemns Mosque Attack
Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs strongly condemns the attack on three worshippers at a Jakarta mosque and trusts police to investigate.
Portal Islam 
This article was first published in Indonesian. Baca versi Bahasa Indonesia →
Kemenag (Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs) has expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the attack on three worshippers performing the Fajr salah at Darul Ma'arif Mosque in Pondok Kelapa, Duren Sawit, East Jakarta. According to reports compiled from various media sources on Monday, November 9, 2026, the East Jakarta Metro Police have named a suspect identified by the initials F regarding the incident that occurred on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
This event has also drawn widespread attention from national media outlets such as ANTARA, CNN Indonesia, and Republika, which reported on the handling of the case and official responses from the government.
Chronology of Events at Darul Ma'arif Mosque
According to reports from ANTARA and CNN Indonesia, the attack took place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at approximately 04:15 WIB (UTC+7) while congregants were performing the congregational Fajr salah at Darul Ma'arif Mosque in Pondok Kelapa, Duren Sawit, East Jakarta. The incident began when several worshippers noticed a fire near the mosque door and attempted to extinguish it.
Amidst the situation, a sharp weapon attack was launched against three worshippers inside the mosque. As a result of the incident, the three victims sustained injuries and were immediately rushed for medical treatment. Citing reports from CNN Indonesia, two victims were treated at Pondok Kopi Islamic Hospital and another victim at Harum Hospital.
Following the incident, the suspect with the initials F was successfully secured by other worshippers at the location before finally being handed over to the police. Police officers who conducted the crime scene investigation starting Sunday night, November 8, 2026, also secured several pieces of evidence including two sharp weapons (an axe and a dagger), two three-kilogram LPG gas cylinders, and gasoline fuel.
Official Stance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs
Responding to the incident, the Ministry of Religious Affairs issued a strong condemnation and appreciation for the swift actions of law enforcement officials. Quoted from a Republika press release and a written statement published by CNN Indonesia, the Head of the Bureau of Public Relations and Public Communication of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Thobib Al Asyhar, expressed deep concern over the violence that occurred in a house of worship.
Thobib emphasized that houses of worship should be safe places that provide peace for the ummah in carrying out their worship. Therefore, all forms of violence within the environment of places of worship are deeply regretted.
"The Ministry of Religious Affairs expresses deep concern over the attack on three worshippers in Pondok Kelapa. We deeply regret the occurrence of violence in a house of worship, which should be a safe and peaceful space for the ummah. We also hope that the victims currently receiving treatment in the hospital will recover soon," said Thobib on Monday, November 9, 2026.
Legal Process and Police Investigation
The Ministry of Religious Affairs appreciates the police's action in immediately securing the alleged perpetrator and conducting an in-depth investigation. Kemenag hopes this case can be thoroughly investigated so that the motive and background of the incident become clear.
As reported by ANTARA, East Jakarta Metro Police Public Relations Head AKP Made Budi stated that the status of the perpetrator F has been elevated to a suspect. The police are also still examining the suspect's psychological condition, motives, background, and the possibility of premeditation or links to a specific network.
Furthermore, Thobib Al Asyhar invited religious leaders, community leaders, and all elements of the nation to jointly maintain a conducive social and religious life atmosphere. He advised the public not to be easily provoked, to remain calm, and to entrust law enforcement to the authorities in order to maintain mutual harmony and brotherhood.
