Seven bomb blasts rocked central Jakarta this afternoon near the Sarinah shopping mall, along Jalan MH Thamrin in the city’s central business district.
Reports are still coming in from our friends at Coconuts Jakarta, but so far at least six people have been confirmed killed, including three policemen. Six alleged attackers are still holed up, while tanks have been deployed on the streets following gunfights.
Though it eerily brings to mind the attacks in Paris, no indications that Islamic State militants are involved.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan — who just returned yesterday from his visit to Jakarta for a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo — has advised Singaporeans to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). More importantly, no Singaporean casualties have been reported so far.
Monitoring the situation in Jakarta with great concern. Singaporeans in Jakarta should e-register with MFA at…
Posted by Vivian Balakrishnan on Wednesday, 13 January 2016
MFA has also issued an urgent statement condemning the bombings in Jakarta. “MFA is deeply shocked to learn of the multiple explosions in Jakarta targeted at innocent civilians,” they wrote.
“We condemn these attacks and express our condolences to the families of the victims. We support the Indonesian Government in its efforts to bring those responsible to justice.”
Singaporeans in Jakarta in need of help are advised to contact the Singapore Embassy in the city through telephone (+ 62-21 299 504 00) and email (singemb_jkt@mfa.sg).
