The breakout occurred around 7:30 a.m. local time, according to Nabire Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Samuel D. Tatiratu.
The prison is located on Jalan Pipit in the Kali Harapan area of Nabire District.
“They escaped by tying a volleyball net rope to the top of the rear fence and climbing over the wall,” Tatiratu said in a phone interview from Timika, the capital of Mimika District.
Police have questioned five guards who were on duty at the time. Investigators are still working to confirm the identities of the escapees.
“Our team is tracking them in the hills behind the prison and surrounding areas,” Tatiratu said.
This is the second mass escape from the facility this year. In June, 19 inmates broke out, including 11 held on charges related to Papuan separatist activity.
Brigadier General Faizal Rahmadani, head of operations for the Cartenz Peace Task Force, said earlier that the 11 escapees were members of armed separatist groups (KKB) from Puncak Jaya, Puncak, and Paniai.
“The 11 are confirmed KKB members,” Faizal said in a statement published by ANTARA in June.
Those identified from KKB Puncak Jaya include Yotenus Wonda, Alison Wonda, and Tandangan Kogoya. From KKB Puncak: Alenus Tabuni, Junius Waker, Yantis Murib, Ardinus Kogoya, Pelinus Kogoya, and Marenus Tabuni. From KKB Paniai: Anan Nawipa and Yakobus Nawipa.
Faizal added that eight other escapees, including Agus Gobay, Yeheskiel Degei, and Noak Tekege, are not officially listed as KKB members but are suspected of having links to the group.
Authorities have not confirmed whether any of the current fugitives are linked to separatist groups.
Armed rebel factions in Papua have frequently launched hit-and-run attacks on Indonesian security forces and carried out violence against civilians to instill fear.
Victims have included construction workers, motorcycle taxi (ojek) drivers, teachers, students, food vendors, and civilian aircraft personnel.
In April 2025, an armed group was blamed for a deadly attack in Bingki, Yahukimo District, Papua Highlands Province, that killed 16 illegal gold miners.
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Translator: Evarianus S, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
