Inp.polri.go.id - Jayapura. Eleven of the 19 inmates who escaped from Nabire Prison in Papua on Monday have been identified as members of an armed criminal group (KKB). 

"These 11 inmates are affiliated with KKB factions from Puncak Jaya, Puncak, and Paniai," Brigadier General Faizal Ramadani, the Head of the Damai Cartenz Task Force, said on Tuesday (3/5/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

The prison break occurred during visiting hours around 11 am local time. One inmate reportedly attacked guards with a machete allegedly taken from inside the prison, initially used for chopping firewood. Three officers were injured in the attack.

The escapees fled through the rear of the facility toward a government housing complex and nearby hills. Discarded prison uniforms were found along the escape route, with sightings reported near Nabire's Oyehe Market and Marthadinata Street.

Security forces have deployed teams to track down the fugitives as the incident raises serious questions about prison security and potential rebel regrouping.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)