February 27, 2025 | 06:13 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Cartenz Peace Operation is pursuing six inmates who escaped from the Class IIB Wamena Penitentiary on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
One of them is Penihas Heluka, alias Kopi Tua Heluka, who claims to be the Commander of the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) and the Commander of the Yamue Battalion Kodap XVI Yahukimo.
Head of the Cartenz Peace joint operation, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, said they continue to pursue the escaped inmates.
"We are committed to maintaining peace and providing a sense of security for the people. Our pursuit of the escaped inmates will be intensified," said Brigadier General Faizal in his official statement quoted on Thursday, February 27.
The escape occurred around 03:09 p.m. local time amidst heavy rain. Seven prisoners broke the first fence on the left side of the prison using a pair of pliers.
They then climbed the second fence with a one-meter long rope tied to the barbed wire. One prisoner was caught by the guards, while the other six escaped.
One of the escapees, Penihas Heluka, was previously arrested by the law enforcers of Cartenz Peace Operation on May 19, 2023, for his involvement in a series of criminal acts, including the murder of security forces.
He was sentenced to 13 years in prison on February 7, 2024, and had only served one year of his sentence before escaping.
The chief of public relations for Cartenz Peace task force, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, urged the public to remain calm and vigilant.
"We urge the public to play an active role in maintaining a conducive situation and immediately report to the security forces if they have any information about the whereabouts of the fugitives," said Yusuf.
Cartenz Peace, or Damai Cartenz, is now cooperating with the local prison authorities and police to further investigate this incident. They ensure that the six escapees will be apprehended promptly to maintain security in Wamena and its surrounding areas.
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