Call for calm after suicide strike

FEAR, shock and calls for calm have rung out in Indonesia’s 10-million strong capital in the wake of a twin suicide attack that killed three police officers and left at least 11 people injured.

Australian authorities have reminded travellers of the “ongoing high threat of a terrorist attack in Indonesia”, telling people to be vigilant and exercise caution when visiting the archipelago.

The busy Kampung Melayu bus terminal in eastern Jakarta was sent into chaos at around 9pm (local time) on Wednesday when two blasts are believed to have occurred.

National Police spokesman Colonel Martinus Sitompul said yesterday morning that they suspect a pressure cooker bomb was responsible for at least one of the blasts.

The attack killed the two alleged perpetrators along with three police officers on duty.

Five police were injured, as well as six civilians, he said. Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for everyone to “keep calm and maintain unity”.

“I convey my deepest condolences to the victims’ families ... especially to the policemen,” he said in a statement.