JAKARTA — It was the site of a deadly attack the day before but this evening (Jan 15), the area around Sarinah mall in central Jakarta came alive with chants of solidarity by Indonesians from various walks of life.
Around 5pm local time, supporters of Persija Jakarta football club and other civil society organisations, politicians, celebrities and ordinary Indonesians descended near the spot where seven people had died. Holding signs rejecting terrorism and declaring they were not afraid, members of the crowd handed out roses to others while the Persija fans lustily singing about “one soul, one love” for Jakarta, adapted from songs in support of their football club.
Sarinah mall re-opened today, although its McDonald’s outlet remained closed. Staff at the mall’s Excelso coffee joint said it would normally be bustling on a Friday evening, but it was not so last evening.
Five men carried out the attack - which has since been claimed by the Islamic State - with hand-made bombs, guns and suicide belts yesterday. Seven people were killed during the attack, including all five of the attackers. More than 20 people were injured.
Authorities today identified one of the five attackers as Sunakim, who was once sentenced to seven years in jail for his involvement in military-style terrorist training in Aceh, but was released early.
Wearing a backpack and black gloves, Sunakim was seen pulling out a gun and aiming after explosions took place inside a Starbucks coffee shop and a police post.
Elsewhere in Jakarta, life resumed its usual rhythm. Morning traffic was lighter than usual, but several residents told TODAY they were not taking special precautions and had no fear of going to crowded places. The faithful continued to fill Istiqlal mosque – the largest in Southeast Asia – for Friday prayers.
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