Tragic Easter Mass in Makassar Turns Blood‑Spattered, Not Bleeding Roses
The Day The Church Was Assaulted
On the first day of Easter Holy Week, March 28, two gun‑slinging, bomb‑throwing militants—believed to be from an Islamist extremist circle—bellied the doors of a Catholic church in the southern Indonesian city of Makassar. The event unfolded as the Mass was drawing to a close, the whole congregation trailing behind the priest’s words, when the attackers blew their shrapnel bomb on the church’s outer courtyard.
Who Was Left Behind?
- 19 people hit the spot—mostly people clutching candles or listening to the choir.
- The attackers themselves were the only ones to succumb, their lives bought long before the final “Amen”.
Why Is This a Heavy‑Hit for Makassar?
It was a stark reminder that even the earth’s most peaceful moments can be hijacked by violence. The city, widely known for its beautiful coastlines and friendly seafood, now feels a heavy shadow beating against its weekly prayers.
A Bit of Lighter Humor After It All
Word on the street is that the local cathedral choir tried to finish their repertoire under the blast, but it was a bit too “off‑key” for everyone. Even the nuns with their missionary capors were whispering, “Is it a new hymn or a secret attack?” —a stone‑cold mix of confusion and caution.
Looking Ahead
The police are on the case, hunting down the links that anchored the bombers to a larger extremist network. In the meantime, the city’s residents are learning to keep faith alive while staying watchful—making sure the next beat of the bell knows not to double‑check the doors before it rings.
<img alt="" data-caption="Indonesian Red Cross personnel carry a body bag following an explosion outside a Catholic church in Makassar, South Sulawesi province, Indonesia, March 28, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”bee93b07-9ddf-413a-8405-8e4adf1cd332″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210329_redcrosspersonnelcarryingabodybag_reuters.jpg”/>
Surabaya’s Bracing Bomb Drama: A Quick Recap
Listyo Sigit Prabowo — the swooning hero in the city’s police swagger — has just tipped us off that the two sinister bombers might be folks from the militant JAD, the same crew that pulled off a doozy of a church‑blast and a police‑post smash‑out back in 2018.
Why This Matters
- The Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) is no joke; they’ve been linked to the “holy” brand of suicide attacks.
- Surabaya’s church-and-police saga still echoes — a punch‑line that killed at least 30 souls.
- Our chief thinks the latest bombers might be fresh out of that same troubled truck.
In a Nutshell and a Kid‑Friendly Way
Picture this: JAD, that puzzle‑piece of chaos, throws a bomb at a church or a police office. Then, almost as if the city’s got a bad weather report, they repeat the move. Listyo’s saying, “Yep, this looks like the same handful.”
Emotions Rowed In
Even though the words are as cold as an ice‑cube‑filled punch, the trembling in the community’s ribs can be felt. School kids, like jumps in a crowd, start avoiding lunchtime sermons.
What You Should Do (If You’re Not a Superhero)
- Keep one eye on the news – +1 for staying informed.
- If you hear any suspicious stuff, let the police know. Not too far behind.
- And stop scrolling on the internet – news is better shared with friends than viral memes.
And that, dear reader— is how the bombers’ tea is served in a city that is still dented by bombs, a pepper‑salt moment with a pinch of hope.
<img alt="" data-caption="Armed police officers stand guard along a closed road following an explosion outside a Catholic church in Makassar, South Sulawesi province, Indonesia, March 28, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”b843acfa-28a9-485c-aac8-1f5bee177ca4″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210329_armedpoliceofficersstandguard_reuters.jpg”/>
New Arrests & Old Worries: The JAD Story
A quick recap: In January, about 20 folks linked to the JAD gang landed in police custody. Not the first scare, though—back in 2019, they allegedly cooked up a pressure‑cooker bomb that blew a Philippine church to pieces, claiming over 20 lives.
The 2019 Incident, in Simple Terms
- A pressure cooker bomb smashed into a church.
- The blast sent flames, smoke, and debris straight into the street.
- More than twenty people lost their lives.
What the Police Found
After the arrest, investigators revealed that the suspects once tried to sneak in on a motorbike, making their way right up to the church yard.
President Widodo’s Take
On a live broadcast, President Joko Widodo strongly called out the act as “terrorism”. He urged everyone to stay calm and promised that our city would be safe enough for folks to attend services without a hint of fear.
<img alt="" data-caption="Armed police officers stand guard along a closed road following an explosion outside a Catholic church in Makassar, South Sulawesi province, Indonesia, March 28, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”95374de9-e46e-4403-9593-48fdc7cbe40b” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210329_armedpoliceofficers_reuters_0.jpg”/>
Heart‑Sinking Chaos in Makassar: A Prayerful Stand Against Hate
Two college students, one male and one female, were caught up in a
terroristic episode that left a city rattled and the international
community on edge.
What Went Down
A security source, not cleared for media, claimed an unauthorized
betrayal led to a deadly attack in Makassar – the largest city on
Sulawesi. While the city is a mosaic of faiths, with Muslims dominating
yet a sizeable Christian community, the violence struck across these
boundaries and hurt people from all walks of life.
Response From the Skies
- » Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said, “No
religion can justify an act that wounds not only a single individual
but, rightfully, everyone around them.” - » Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims, as reported by
Vatican Media. - » Gomar Gultom, head of the Indonesian Council of Churches called the assault a “cruel incident,” emphasizing the need for peace as Christians were celebrating Palm Sunday. He urged calmness and trust in the authorities.
A 20‑Year‑Old Reminder of Terror
It’s a stark reminder of the 2002 Bali bombing that claimed 202 souls,
most expatriates. The past horror shows us how swiftly these
unwanted dreams turn into devastating reality.
Takeaway
What happened in Makassar isn’t just a crime; it’s a pothole in the
society’s fabric that urges a united, compassionate response from
faith leaders and citizens alike.
