Statement of President Joko Widodo on Surabaya Bombings, Sunday, 13 May 2018

Unofficial English Translation 

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Today we saw terrorist attacks perpetrated in three locations in Surabaya. The act of terrorism is extremely barbaric and uncivilized, and brought many casualties: civilians, police officers, and innocent children, including two 10-year-old children forced by perpetrators to be suicide bombers.

Terrorism is a crime against humanity and has nothing to do with any religion. All religious teachings reject terrorism regardless the reason. No words can describe how deep our condolences are for the victims of these suicide bombings.

This morning, I instructed Chief of Indonesian National Police to investigate the perpetrator’s network and dismantle the network to its roots. All state apparatus will not allow such cowardly attacks.

I invite all members of society to jointly combat terrorism and fight against radicalism -which is contradictory to values of any religion and is contradictory to our national values ??as a nation that upholds divine principle and respects diversity-. I also appeal to all people across the nation to keep calm, maintain our unity, and be vigilant. Only by the joint efforts of the whole nation can we eradicate terrorism. We must unite against terrorism.

And finally, let us pray for the fallen victims, may they get the best place in the sight of Allah SWT and may the bereaved families given the strength to bear the great pain. Let us also pray for the wounded victims, may they have a swift recovery. I guarantee that the Government will cover all medical expenses of the victims.

I think that is what I can say on this occasion. Thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (PR, Cabinet Secretariat)(RI/AW/YM/Naster)