A BBC correspondent said the blast left a large crater in the ground and damaged buildings and motor vehicles.

Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has described the blast as a terrorist attack directed at Australia.

The explosion comes at a particularly sensitive time for both countries with the second and final round of Indonesia's presidential elections due on 20 September and Australia's general election set for 9 October.

Were you near the embassy when the explosion occurred? Are you in Jakarta now or thinking about going there? Send us your comments.

The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:

The bombing reflects the Indonesian police's failure to completely neutralize Jemaah Islamiah widely believed also to have been responsible for the Bali nightclub and Jakarta Marriott bombings. The government should be more diligent in hunting down these criminals - even if it means stepping on some politicians' toes. JI's senseless actions do not in any way reflect the sentiments of Indonesian Muslims, whose leaders have indeed spoken out to condemn the act.
Ari Tamat, Tokyo, Japan

It's sad to say but it will only get worse in Indonesia. I have been to Indonesia many times and was not far from the night clubs in Kuta when they got bombed. How can the police in Indonesia stop any sort of terrorist when you can pay off the Police or anybody with money? The Police are a joke in Indonesia.
Rick, Singapore

I was absolutely disgusted at the random senseless killing in Jakarta of innocents, and having lived in Indonesia for 4 years and experienced sneers and snipes it seems nothing has changed with regard to local feeling for Australians. It seems Muslim militants don't care that their own people suffer more than their supposed 'enemies'. It shows the level of intelligence and sensitivity I guess.
Julian Gatt, Sliema, Malta

My office is about 5 buildings away from the embassy. I immediately ran toward it right after I saw white smoke arising from what I thought was the embassy gate. I saw human limbs, injured people. A colleague of mine was slightly injured. Whose work was it? What are they up to?
Ken Arok, Jakarta, Indonesia

The action against the terrorists must be swift, sure and firm Royce Wiwanto, Singapore

I am an Indonesian citizen living in Singapore and the Jakarta blast causes me much pain and heartache. It is a wakeup call that terrorism is clearly "alive and well". The immediate task ahead should be to help the family members of the dead and treat the injured. An inquiry should also be held to identify the perpetrators of this crime. The action against the terrorists must be swift, sure and firm. However, I think that the most important thing is to address the root causes of terrorism like poverty, lack of education opportunities, and injustice or perceived injustice of Muslim societies. Only then will terrorism lose its lure and Indonesia can return to the path of national redevelopment, economic growth and peace and stability. The journey ahead may be long and arduous but do not lose hope at humankind's capacity for love, kindness and good. Everyone can chip in and do their part today.
Royce Wiwanto, Singapore

Yet again we await the leaders of the so called moderate majority of Islamic people to condemn this latest atrocity. Their silence is deafening!
Paul Watson, Brisbane Australia

Jakarta is proof that you cannot defend against terrorism. Offence must be used in conjunction with defence.
David, Philadelphia

With her big Muslim community, Indonesia is a place where religious radicalism could explode with harmful effect Tommaso, Naples, Italy

I think that the world security policy should begin to consider more carefully what will be happening on the Indonesian territory: we don't have to forget that with her big Muslim community, Indonesia is a place where religious radicalism could explode with harmful effect
Tommaso, Naples, Italy

The world has come together to fight against terrorism. We all are effected in some shape and form of it. I believe we are handling it the best we can and know how. But if we keep letting the Super Powers have it their way there will never be a resolution. If we all stand together and against these groups they will know the heart of people are much stronger then our Governments.
Marie, USA

It always amazes me that so many people can write in to the BBC and say how shocked/horrified/angry they were over terrorist incidents. I have worked in Indonesia and indeed most of Southeast Asia/Africa and the Americas for 25 years now. Suddenly Americans are crying out against terrorism. Where were you for the past 25 years? Were you giving money to Noraid, to buy Communist explosives and to for the IRA to use against English and Irish people. Terrorism is the means of the few to influence the many. Do not expect it to reduce, expect only that this will become a more daily occurrence. If you want to stop the terrorists then shut down the arms manufacturers who are supplying them. Start here and maybe we will see this cancer reduced.
Richard Clark, Banglamung Thailand

All of us are in a state of shock and disbelief Devyandra, Jakarta

I live in the Kuningan district (in a very close proximity to the JW Marriot Hotel and only 2 km away from the Australian Embassy). All of us are in a state of shock and disbelief to have witnessed once again the loss of lives and sufferings inflicted by the most cowardly people on earth in their full blown acts of terrorism. My deepest condolences go out to the family members and friends of the victims whose lives have been taken away during the course of this atrocity.
Devyandra, Jakarta, Indonesia

A close friend of mine was killed in the Bali club bombing, so this brings back a lot of bad memories. It also makes me so angry that the good people of the world really are not so good after all, because the global politics of peace are really just the politics of public apathy, from a world that just does not want to be bothered with unpleasantness. If the people of the world were truly concerned, we would not hear such theoretical pontificating about injustices in the so-called peace loving Muslim world. Rather, we'd hear a unified world outcry over the extremist religious fanaticism which Muslim leaders and governments have allowed and even promoted.

We'd also have a unified world demanding that this madness be eliminated swiftly by whatever means, for the good of all, for the long term. Bleeding hearts from an uninformed, apathetic world will do nothing to stop terrorism, so the death of all these innocents is unfortunately in vain. I guess it's just easier to do nothing, right? How sad.
Thom Wilder, California, USA

I got this email from my son Alex about 20 minutes after the blast: "About 20 minutes ago a massive bomb went off about 1.5 km away. I felt the thunderous explosion from my desk. From my office window I could directly see the smoke arising from the scene, and in the midst, a totally destroyed side of a 10 story building. The bomb went off in front of the Australian Embassy, about 2 minutes from where I live. Watching the first news broadcasts and images, the result was much worse than the view from the window. The damage was bad, very bad in fact. I don't really know anything else, except it is most likely related to the election and an attempt to reduce social stability."
Chris Oates, Canberra, Australia

Already our press and politicians are unwisely amplifying this event and the predictable ripples of bigotry are emerging. For every Indonesian with a bomb strapped to them there are one hundred million or more without.
Robert Webster, Melbourne, Australia

Economic and political sacrifices will have to be made across the world George Caveney, Bristol, UK

We'd better get used to incidents such as this if compromise cannot be reached through dialogue between those with conflicting interests. Economic and political sacrifices will have to be made across the world if we are to avoid a certain descent into chaos. Terrorism cannot be countered by violence, as history itself illustrates. Whilst terrorism is unacceptable to the 'civilised' world, surely it is clear that the motivations behind it go beyond religious fanaticism and territorialism. I do wish those privileged to hold positions of power would look at the bigger picture.
George Caveney, Bristol, UK

I have lived in Indonesia before so I know the country well and have just accepted a contract in Jakarta starting this month. No terrorists will prevent me from taking a position there and I will not be intimidated by petty warmongers and haters. They are and always will be alone and in the minority in this world.
Andrew E. Short, Bournemouth, England

If the purpose of the bombing in Jakarta was to weaken the Australian government in the run-up to the federal election, the terrorists have badly miscalculated. Australians do not like to be told what they can do. Even those of us not supporting our involvement in Iraq are totally nationalistic about our right to do so, should we wish. This event will harden the resolve of the populace at large. Our national security is not negotiable. If that means supporting 'our' national government, even though we don't support some of its decisions, we will do so.
Mal Prior, Orange, NSW, Australia

It is time the silent moderate Muslim majority in Indonesia be heard. Democracy accepts differences but when the tolerated extreme fringes don't accept differences they are a threat to our democracy and nationhood. The idea of Indonesian nationality is being challenged by a handful of Islamic extremists who behave in an un-Islamic way by killing innocent people to make an Islamic caliphate that nobody wants.
Erlangga Atmadja, Melbourne

As usual innocents are killed and maimed Bev Shutt, English expat in Indonesia

I have lived and worked in Indonesia for 12 years. This is an attack on the people of Indonesia as well as Australia. As usual innocents are killed and maimed. The people of Indonesia have a difficult enough time as it is during this transition period. When will governments realise that there is no way to stop suicide bombers, they must target the fundraisers and organisers of these groups of murderers. There seems to be no will by certain high ranking officials to act positively to take on the terrorist leadership. For God's sake have we not had enough of this carnage.
Bev Shutt, English expat in Indonesia

In one of the pictures I saw the Australian Flag flying in a calm composed and peaceful manner in front of the ruins of the Australian Embassy. It was very comforting and is evidence that the Australian people will never give in to terrorist acts. We need to get rid of these terrorists elements from the face of our planet to make it a safe place for our children.
Murthaabu, Male', Maldives.

I have family members in Jakarta. I'm still trying to get a hold of any of them to see if anyone is OK. I'm terrified. Ever since the first bomb exploded a few years ago, I have never stopped being afraid for them. I hope the Indonesian government will start taking steps to end this terrorist attacks.
AKL, CA, USA

The Australians announced a beef up to their air defence despite Indonesian opposition Marcus

Having a wife who is Indonesian, and having visited several times this bombing comes as no real shock. I fear this is politically motivated as the Australians announced a beef up to their air defence despite Indonesian opposition. The Indonesian government has long since sanctioned and paid for terror (Timor). It is time we condemn this place as a terror state. My heart goes out to any Australian affected in this blast. Aussies are doing the right thing. It's time for the world to give them their support.
Marcus

There doesn't seem to be a day now when we are not being asked for our reaction to an explosion or terrorist bombing somewhere in the world. What sort of people have we become?
Debbie, Cumbria UK

My fianc�e is visiting South Jakarta right now. I was quite worried, but she is fine. I feel so sorry for the victims. This is the first time I've really understood the horrors of international terrorism. I hope that the UK, the Netherlands, Australia, the USA, and other strong democracies will help Indonesia in this fight. Maybe we won't hear about Jakarta police taking terrorists to Starbucks at the mall anymore.
Ray Jackson, Kansas, USA

Innocent people are the victims Duncan Fraser, Jakarta, Indonesia

I have lived and worked in Jakarta for 18 months now, 3 or 4 km from the Australian embassy, and use the road outside several times a week. Again, innocent people are the victims - passers by, street vendors, shoppers. Indonesia does not need this, Australia does not need this, nobody needs this.
Duncan Fraser, Jakarta, Indonesia

I am an English expatriate living in Jakarta. I was on the back of a motorbike when the explosion happened, three minutes away from the scene. It's such a pointless act of terrorism that will only inflict more pain on the suffering people of Indonesia. I love this country and it does not put me off staying here one bit! The Indonesian people have to believe in the strength of democracy that will eventually win the day.
Jeremy Stone, Jakarta, Indonesia

My father left Jakarta after many happy years there due to the increased risk from terrorists. It seems like it's just getting worse everywhere all due to idiots thinking they should run the world their way taking no account of anyone else.
Mags, Oxford, UK

I pray that he will come home safely to us tomorrow Gladys Teo-Simpson, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

My husband is now in Jakarta being interviewed for a job with an international advertising agency. I was not so keen on this originally because of the previous bombings. Last night I told him if he gets the job, I would support his decision but now, it's a definite no-no. I have two children and I would not want them to be part of this. Earlier my husband called to tell us he was not anywhere near the bombing but I am still worried. I pray that he will come home safely to us tomorrow.
Gladys Teo-Simpson, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I work in the 11th floor of the Sentra Mulia building which is right across from the Australian Embassy on HR Rasuna Said road. The blast was so powerful that I fell off my chair on the 11th floor. Windows shattered in the offices on the same floor across the corridor. We all knew instantly that something terrible had happened and rushed to the fire exit. When I reached ground floor and looked around, I was flabbergasted by the impact of the blast. Glass window panes had shattered in at least 7 buildings around the embassy and entire scene was completely chaotic.
P S Suresh, Jakarta, Indonesia

I recently left Jakarta after working for 4 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers whose offices are 2 or 3 buildings away from the Australian Embassy. I was shocked to hear the news of the blast, and given that our staff regularly pass the embassy each day on their way to and from clients, I was immediately concerned for their safety. I called and spoke to one of my former colleagues who told me that the sound of the explosion was incredible. They thought at first that it must be an earthquake, but quickly realised to their horror that it was a bomb. It is a miracle that no-one from our office appears to have been caught in the blast, but naturally everyone is pretty shaken up by how close it was.
Chris Cooper, Sydney, Australia

I have visited Bali and Java, and loved the country and its people. Everyone I met was so welcoming and friendly. It's a shame that others around the world will get the wrong impression of Indonesia by these atrocities, and that, as always, it's the innocent ones who suffer.
R. Farrell, England

After a six week family visit in the Tanimbar Archipel (South East Maluku) and a few days staying in Jakarta we feel the pain of the Indonesian and Australian people. We were close to the embassy in Jakarta. I wish all of you the wisdom to overcome the pain and angry. We will definitely come back next year to visit this beautiful country and its beautiful people!
Niek Hartog, Uden, the Netherlands

We should not allow radical acts of violence to taint Australia's engagement with its closest neighbours Natalie Sambhi, Perth, Australia

I had firm plans of visiting Jakarta in December to see my family and I am now even more resolute to go. I am determined not to perpetuate misinformed notions in Australia that South East Asia is a region of instability and terror. The bombing has, no doubt, dealt Indonesian-Australian relations a significant blow, but I believe that we should not allow radical acts of violence to taint Australia's engagement with its closest neighbours.
Natalie Sambhi, Perth, Australia

My thoughts and prayers are with each of those families who have been killed or injured in yet another terrorist bombing. I hope that the world will join together in solidarity against these extremists. I hope that mainstream Muslims take their religion back by speaking out against those who are hi-jacking the Islamic religion.
Darla, Minnesota, USA

I live behind the embassy, about 500 metres and I was in my apartment when the blast happened. The windows at my apartment rattled hard. Luckily nothing else happened.
Liang Wern Yi, Jakarta, Indonesia

It is disheartening that we are witnessing yet more terrorist action. My sympathy goes to all those victims and their families. Jakarta is one in a series of attacks on cities in the Americas, Middle East and Asia. Shouldn't world leaders realise that unless urgent action is taken now, it might get out of hand later and that no-one will be safe anywhere?
Danladi Hassan Kobi, Abuja, Nigeria

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the people who lost their loved ones Dewi Chard, London, UK

I am mixed Australian/Indonesian and class both countries as my home so feel a great sadness and frustration to see yet another horrific terrorist attack occur in this region. I am heading back to Jakarta in 2 weeks time to visit family and although am warned against it, I will never allow these monsters to have the satisfaction of stopping me or any of my foreign friends the chance to see the beauty of what Indonesia has to offer. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the people who lost their loved ones and for a speedy recovery for those who were injured...please let this nightmare end!!
Dewi Chard, London, UK

My residence is about 7km away from the location of the blast. I heard a thunder-like sound in the very bright day and I thought it was going to rain in such sunny weather (I was having a shower). But as soon as I watched the news on local TV, I was shocked it was a bomb blast in the Kuningan area. I normally drive through the area to give lectures.
Evert H. Hilman, Jakarta, Indonesia

My brother was working in the building opposite the Australian embassy. He said he saw a flash and the next thing he knew was that he was under the table with a colleague taking shelter. They then ran out the nearest emergency exit and on to the street where they had to shield their heads as glass was falling every where. A few people in his building were hurt, but all are now safe.
E. Freeriks, Chelmsford, Essex

I used to work in Plaza 89, the building directly opposite the embassy. As I remember the area, the people who would have felt the full impact of the blast are the street vendors, waiting drivers, passers by etc. ... the innocent. If it was the JI who carried this out, then they have only succeeded in hurting their fellow Muslims. What cowards!
Eric Chen, Singapore

A scene of total chaos as smoke and sirens filled the air Gahet Ascobat, Jakarta, Indonesia

I was just about to start a meeting in my office, just several buildings away across the street from the Australian embassy when the building shook and we heard this very loud thunder-like noise. It took a couple of seconds before we realised it must have been a bomb. What followed was a scene of total chaos as smoke and sirens filled the air, hundreds of people spilled to the streets, the main road was cordoned off, and offices were evacuated. We've been hearing warnings from foreign governments the past few days, but it is only today that most of us realise we can all become victims, anytime and anyplace, just as innocent passers-by and motorists became casualties today..
Gahet Ascobat, Jakarta, Indonesia

I have lived in Jakarta on and off for the last 8 years, my last home being in an apartment block just behind the Australian embassy. My heart goes out to all the innocents killed and injured by this latest atrocity. As usual with these acts of terrorism it is the indigenous population who suffer the most.
Peter Barry, London, UK

I was approximately 3 miles from the blast site in an internet cafe on the main backpacker street when I heard the blast. I ran outside to my Indonesian friends in a cafe. 20 mins later a guy walks in who was there and describes the scene of carnage, 1km blast area he thinks. And I'm just about to start my dissertation on 'the economics of crime and terrorism'. How appropriate - at least I will have a unique introductory paragraph.
Andy, from Birmingham, UK currently in Jakarta

I was in a meeting about 3 kms from Kuningan when the bomb exploded. The building we were in is now shattered. We were on the fourth floor and ran to the windows where we saw clouds of smoke coming from the east. We were not sure where it originated, so we start to text-message the people we knew. Minutes later, my wife who lives 500 km away from the capital text-messaged me and said that the Australian embassy had been attacked.
Rizal, Jakarta

Shrapnel flew across the area making gaping holes high up in the tall buildings John Day, Jakarta, Indonesia

I work just 100 metres from the embassy. I was in a meeting and felt the whole building shake in a huge explosion. A mushroom of dirty white smoke whooshed up above the embassy. Bits of our building's cladding crashed down and the windows of the large office buildings across the road shattered. Shrapnel flew across the area making gaping holes high up in the tall buildings. People rushed out of the offices and ran down the road to where the bomb went off. One girl went all the way to the bomb crater and came back traumatised crying in the office. We checked that all were OK in the office and watched the fleets of ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles rushing to the scene. You could not get a telephone line to find out what was going on. Traffic jams everywhere.
John Day, Jakarta, Indonesia

I was about to tell my company today that I would be willing to go to Jakarta for an assignment next month....I think I have just changed my mind!
Paul, London, England

I was about to cook this morning when all of a sudden I heard a blast which sounded like it came from the floor above me. The building shook a little so I gathered myself and tried to call people but my phone line was disconnected. It was a terrifying time for me. I got a call from my husband confirming that there was a bomb just four buildings next to his office. I asked him to come get me from the apartment immediately so at least if something happened, we could be together.
Tingnoy, Jakarta, Indonesia

I was in the area with my 3 children when the explosion happened. Thank the Lord that we were not hurt. When will all this madness stop?
Chris Middelton, Jakarta, Indonesia

When the explosion happened, the whole building was shaken Pipit, Jakartae

I was inside my office when the bomb blasted. My building is around 5 km from the scene. When the explosion happened, the whole building was shaken, but fortunately the windows were not shattered - no small fortune considering I sat next to the windows. The smoke that followed was as high as 50 metres up to the air.
Pipit, Jakarta

I was not at the blast site. Probably a coincidence but the building next to the Australian embassy houses a Christian church which I attend on Sundays.
David Kelly, Jakarta, Indonesia

I am working in Jakarta and just drove past the embassy hours before the blast. Yet another tragic event to haunt the region. What or who next and for what gain?
Mark Cowan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I am on a short trip to Indonesia from the UK. When my colleagues and friends warned me it was dangerous to go I decided to be cautious but to take the risk. For me this latest attack is one more attack not only on foreigners, but an attack on the people of Indonesia. It is an attack which blights the reputation of a country with genuinely warm hospitality, beautiful scenery and deserving of international tourism. Indonesia desperately needs tourists, not terrorists, and this event helps no-one, least of all Indonesians.
Steven D'Souza, Jakarta, Indonesia

I was in my home on the second 2nd floor when I heard a loud blast and although I live far enough from the blast location (around 5km) I felt the vibration of that blast. What a very scary and sad day...
Reni, Jakarta, Indonesia

I heard the bomb go off this morning, it sounded just like thunder Suzanne, Jakarta, Indonesia

I am from the UK and currently living in Indonesia as my husband is working here on assignment for an international oil company. We live about 20km from the blast but I heard the bomb go off this morning, it sounded just like thunder. Shortly after that my husband called to confirm there had been an explosion. His office is much nearer the bomb site. They are currently deciding whether to stay at work but many expats have already left for the day. It is a very scary time.
Suzanne, Jakarta, Indonesia

I was going towards the British Embassy at about 10.35 am when I saw traffic begin to jam up in the direction of the Australian Embassy. I noted that all the people on either side of the road were looking towards the Australian Embassy and assumed something serious had happened. My driver thought it may be a demo. Only as we moved slowly down the main road towards the embassy did it become apparent something serious had happened with a helicopter flying overhead and police motorcyclists, fire engines and forensic teams trying to get through the traffic to the site.

About 400 meters from the embassy I suspected the worse and told the driver to turn off and go back to our office. That was when we looked up at the glass fronted offices to see huge great holes in the fronts of buildings that had been blown out or hit by debris. It did not look good. I felt lucky, as only the day before I had been down to the embassy to get my Visa for Australia and noted at the security surrounding the building. The police bus parked outside the embassy and the officers on duty there would have had little chance.
Charles Watson, Jakarta, Indonesia

I cannot understand the mindset of the terrorists operating in this country. Once again, the victims are security guards from poor families, struggling to support their wives and children. So, what has been achieved? Increased misery and suffering among the poor Muslim community. Westerners in the main financial district of Jakarta are constantly protected by a human shield of poor local workers. It is just not possible to inflict serious western casualties when targeting such buildings. Nevertheless, due to the general state of security outside the golden triangle, there is a catastrophe waiting to happen.
Glen Dean, Jakarta, Indonesia

My office is quite close - less than 1 KM. I clearly heard the blast and our building shook although far enough away not to sustain damage. I was scheduled to have lunch nearby but I cancelled!!
Tony Beale, Jakarta, Indonesia

Luckily I was not near the embassy during this incident. I have lived in Jakarta on and off for the last 5 years. In a previous job, my office was directly opposite the Australian embassy. Obviously I was quite concerned about ex-colleagues, after calling them I was relieved to learn that there were no injuries and only minor damage to the building.
David Turner, Jakarta, Indonesia

I was in my office around 5 km from the bomb location. When it went off, I heard a loud blast and the glass windows trembled. There was no doubt in my mind that it was a bomb. The question was where... Everyone immediately grabbed their phones, land lines and cell phones to call people they knew for information and check the whereabouts of loved ones.
Naomi Jamarro, Jakarta, Indonesia

We were having a meeting at our office...approximately 1 km from the site when we heard a big blast! We looked out of the window and saw a big cloud of white smoke arising from the Kuningan area! We were on the 27th floor.
Erina, Jakarta, Indonesia