Source: The Jakarta Post

As many as 42 inmates at Wamena Penitentiary in Jayawijaya regency, Papua, escaped custody at around 6 p.m. local time (4 p.m. Jakarta time) on Monday, Antara news agency reported from Jayapura.

The inmates escaped after attacking prison guards, two of whom, Eko Arif Hidayat and Fadli, reportedly were injured.

Papua Police deputy chief Brig. Gen. Paulus Waterpauw said that the police were currently pursuing the escaped prisoners.

The prison had previously been occupied by 97 inmates.

The Wamena penitentiary is located in the area of Hom Hom, some 10 kilometers from Jayawijaya Police headquarters.

A similar prison break had occurred in April 2009, when 38 prisoners at Wamena Penitentiary escaped. (png/nvn)