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Explosion near presidential debate venue caused by ‘firecrackers’: Police
CCTV footage seen online appears to show a white car stopping briefly prior to the incident followed by a puff of white smoke and an explosion.
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Police officers safeguard the Senayan East Parking lot after an explosion-like noise was heard prior to the start of the second round of the 2019 presidential debate in Jakarta on Sunday (Feb. 17, 2019). (Antara/Rivan Awal Lingga)
T
he police claim that an explosion at the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, near the venue of the second round of the 2019 presidential debate on Sunday night, was caused by some form of firework, not a bomb.
"The noise was a firecracker. However, we are still conducting further investigations," Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Gatot Eddy Pramono told reporters on Sunday.
He said the police had put up a police line to prevent civilians from entering the scene and were still examining CCTV footage of the incident.
CCTV footage seen online appears to show a white car stopping briefly prior to the incident followed by a puff of white smoke and an explosion.
Despite the incident, Gatot said the police had not employed additional security measures as they had prepared a security detail for the event.
"We will only conduct the crime scene investigation," he added.
He said there were no reports of casualties or damage as a result of the incident.
