Ministry Launches Inquiry Into Prison Riot in Papua
Jakarta Globe, Nivell Rayda, May 06, 2010
The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights on Wednesday began investigating a prison riot in Papua during which 18 inmates escaped.
Bambang Winahyo, the ministry’s inspector general, said four investigators began interviewing officials from Abepura Prison and the ministry’s Papua office.
New prison warden Liberthy Sitinjak and Nazaruddin Burnas, head of the Papua office, were among those interviewed.
On Monday, after Liberthy was sworn in, outgoing warden Antonius Ayorbaba, prison officers and some civilians protested Antonius’s transfer.
The mob reportedly attacked the host of the inauguration ceremony, Jack Wanane, and chased Liberthy and Nazaruddin away.
The mob later trashed the prison office and broke its windows. Amid the chaos, 15 convicts and three detainees escaped by breaking through the ceilings of their cells and scaling a 5-meter wall.
Untung Sugiono, the ministry’s director general of penitentiary affairs, said Antonius had refused to be transferred to a prison in Bengkulu. “The decision was made three months ago and Antonius requested more time so we gave it to him,” Untung said.
“Antonius is a prominent figure in the area and has lots of supporters. This is a routine transfer so we consider his refusal insubordination. With this incident, not only do we feel there is an indication of misconduct but also a criminal offense.”
Numerous human rights allegations had been leveled against Antonius since he took office in 2008. Prominent human rights groups said at least 20 cases of beatings and inhumane treatment of prisoners had been linked to Antonius. Untung said the transfer was not related to the allegations.
The Jayapura Police are also holding an inquiry. “There is an indication the officials allowed the inmates and detainees to escape,” said Jayapura Police Chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Imam Setiawan.
He said the prisoners escaped from an unguarded corner of the facility. Five of the guards who were supposed to be monitoring them had joined the protest.
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