"We must remain vigilant even though security conditions are under control."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The number of people injured in a suspected suicide bomb attack at a police station`s mosque in Cirebon, West Java, on Friday has risen to 28.
One man was killed in the bomb attack. He was believed to have detonated the bomb during Friday prayers at the mosque.
Data from Pelabuhan Hospital in Cirebon show among the injured were chief of the Cirebon city police Adj Snr Comr Herukoco, chief of the traffic unit Adj Comr Kurnia, chief of the intelligence unit Adj Comr Singgih and preacher Abas.
The blast was so powerful that it also injured a woman outside the mosque. Most of the victims sustained injuries caused by nails and bolts flowing into their bodies from the bomb.
Chief of the Cirebon city police Adj Snr Comr Herukoco suffered wounds on his back. It was believed the perpetrator was seated behind Herukoco before the Friday prayers began.
Secretary of the Cirebon city administration Abdul Manaf who visited Herukoco at the hospital said the city police chief was still conscious despite the wounds in all parts of his back and his forearm.
"We condemn the suicide bomb attack," he said.
Rector of the Cirebon-based Swadaya Gunung Jati University (Unswagati) Djakaria Mahmud who also visited the victims asked the people not to let themselves be infiltrated by a religious sect which justifies violence.
"We must remain vigilant even though security conditions are under control," he said.
National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Anton Bachrul Alam said the blast occurred at around 12 noon when people were about to perform Friday prayers.
"A National Police team is still investigating the type of the bomb moments before the Friday prayer," Anton said.
According to Anton, the suspected suicide bomber was standing near Herukoco before the explosion occurred.
(L.Y003*B013/S012/HAJM/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
