Indonesia: Bomb Explosions at Kuningan, Jakarta

Two explosions hit the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott hotels in Mega Kuningan, Jakarta around 7:40 AM local time.

Local authorities confirmed that the near-simultaneous explosions are caused by high explosive bombs placed at Syailendra cafe, JW Marriott and Airlangga cafe, Ritz Carlton. There are around 52 victims being treated for injuries, both Indonesians and foreigners, and approximately nine killed in the blasts, Coordinating Minister for Law, Politics and Security, Widodo AS, stated.

Bomb exploded in JW Marriott during a breakfast business meeting that gathers business executives and political leaders to discuss Indonesian affairs, attended by 19 foreign business leaders. Timothy Mackay, killed shortly after the explosion, is the CEO of Holcim Indonesia and one of the meeting's attendees.

Associated Press reported four foreigners killed during the incident, and victims under critical condition have been evacuated to the nearest hospitals. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in a statement that the bombings were likely a terrorist act, as findings from national intelligence sources support the claim, however he warned the public to not speculate the motives.

Meanwhile, local social media users broke the story to the world, especially those among today's morning commuters. Share of news and information accumulated through the hashtag #jktexplosions, with Daniel Tumiwa as first to report from the scene.

Daniel Tumiwa status

Twitter user, Andre Siregar also shared first visual coverage on-site.

Ritz Carlton After Explosion

Users however are advised to double check the credibility and accuracy of information shared across the social media, knowing the sensitivity of the matter and how easily it can incite public paranoia.

Another explosion occurred at Muara Angke, North Jakarta. It's reported that the explosion came from a pick-up car, however not caused by a bomb or linked with the Kuningan blasts.

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