Indonesia bombing: Worshippers wounded in Makassar church attack
A suspected suicide bomb attack outside a Catholic church in the Indonesian city of Makassar has left at least 14 people wounded, police say.
Police said an explosion erupted as two attackers tried to enter the church on Palm Sunday, the first day of Easter.
A destroyed motorbike and body parts were found at the scene and police said the two attackers had died.
Militant Islamists have attacked churches in the past but no group has yet said it was behind the bombing.
Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo condemned the attack as “act of terror” and said he had ordered the chief of police to investigate those responsible.
“I call on everyone to fight against terror and radicalism, which go against religious values,” the president said.
Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas urged police to increase security measures at places of worship.
During a Palm Sunday mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis offered a prayer for the victims of the attack.
What do we know about the attack?
The explosion happened at about 10:30 local time (03:30 GMT) at the end of a service for Palm Sunday.
“There were two people riding on a motorbike when the explosion happened at the main gate of the church – the perpetrators were trying to enter the compound,” National Police spokesman Argo Yuwono said.
Later, the country’s chief security minister, Mahfud MD, described the attack as “a suicide bombing” committed by two people, both of whom had died.
A priest at the church, Father Wilhemus Tulak, told Metro TV that security guards had tackled one suspected bomber.
The attacker, he said, arrived by motorbike and tried to get into the church.
Police said at least 14 people were injured, including the church officials who stopped the attackers from entering the cathedral.
The blast happened by the church’s side entrance. Footage from security cameras showed fire, smoke and debris being blown into the middle of the road.
Makassar Mayor Danny Pomanto said that if the explosion had happened at the main entrance, it could have led to far more casualties.
“There were several injured people on the street. I helped one woman who was wounded and covered in blood,” one witness named only as Yosi told the AFP news agency.
“Her grandchild was also injured. There were body parts everywhere.”
Gomar Gultom, head of the Indonesian Council of Churches, said the attack on people celebrating Palm Sunday was “cruel”.
He urged people to stay calm and trust the authorities.
Agencies