JAKARTA, 05 August 2003 -  A powerful bomb exploded on Tuesday at about 12:30 p.m. just outside the JW Marriott Hotel on Jl. Dr Satrio in the Mega Kuningan business complex in Kuningan, South Jakarta. The front of the hotel is still burning at this time, with black smoke billowing out from the lobby. Plaza Mutiara, an office building adjacent to the hotel, also suffered damages from the shock of the blast.
El Shinta radio station reported that at least 4 people have died in the blast so far, and 19 other casualties, although it is not yet clear as to the extent of their injuries. The number of casualties are expected to rise, as the bomb exploded during lunch hour. There is a restaurant located just off thelobby of the Marriott. Two vehicles were also gutted in the blast.
No official brief has been issued by the police as of yet, as they are still investigating the blast site. Officers from the Gegana bomb squad were at the scene, as well as a paramedic team. It is not known yet what kind of bomb was used in the blast, although an eyewitness interviewed by El Shinta said it may have been a car bomb. Police officers have blocked all access to Jl. Satrio, causing a massive traffic jam.
Update 9:37 GMT:The Star Malaysia reports at least eight people killed, and at least 69 injured admitted to hospitals. The explosion is said to be the work of a suicide bomber.
"The blast occurred in an area of town that is home to many foreign embassies and businesses, in addition to the popular Marriott. Shattered glass and puddles of blood littered the ground for more than two blocks."
Update 11:07 GMT:Bloomberg reports 10 people killed and over 70 wounded in the hospitals.
"The JW Marriott hotel opened in September 2001. It has 333 rooms and 33 floors. General manager John J. Jaskula couldn't be reached for comment."
"Indonesian stocks and the rupiah slid after the incident. The Jakarta Composite Index fell as much as 4.8 percent while the rupiah fell as much as 1.6 percent against the U.S. dollar."
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