Cartenz Task Force Apprehends Armed Criminal Group Member Escaped from Wamena Prison
The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force has apprehended Ferly Wesabla, alias Ferlin (21), a member of the Kodap XVI Yahukimo Armed Criminal Group (KKB) who escaped from Wamena Prison.
According to Cartenz Peace Operation Public Affairs Chief Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, the inmate was captured at a residential complex in Dekai, Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan, on Monday 16 March at approximately 17.50 WIT (Western Indonesian Time).
“The arrest was carried out after officials obtained information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts in the area,” Sutejo stated in a written statement on Tuesday 17 March.
Based on the investigation, the suspect was observed riding a motorcycle towards his family home in the Ekshelon II area. When officers attempted to arrest him, he tried to flee and hide in nearby bushes.
“The suspect attempted to escape and hide in the scrubland surrounding the location. However, officers successfully pursued and eventually apprehended him,” Sutejo explained.
Wesabla was one of seven inmates who escaped from Wamena Class IIB Prison on Tuesday 25 February 2025. He is also affiliated with the Kodap XVI Yahukimo Armed Criminal Group, Yalennang Battalion. His escape was coordinated with Penias Heluka, alias Kopi Tua, a KKB Yahukimo leader, as well as Nelis Helika bin Hendrik Heluka, Rio Elopere bin Jani Elopere, Ariel Sonyap alias Simon Sonyap, Segius Asso, and Welinton Kogoya alias Ula. Welinton Kogoya was recaptured immediately by officers near the prison.
According to his criminal record, Wesabla was involved in the 2024 murder of Bripda Oktovianus Buara, a member of Yahukimo Police, and was convicted by court.
The suspect is currently detained at Yahukimo Police Station for further investigation. Authorities are also coordinating with Wamena Class IIB Prison regarding the mechanism for returning the inmate to the facility.
“We hope the prison authorities will continue to enhance surveillance and security systems for inmates, so that escape incidents can be minimised and the rehabilitation process can run more optimally,” Sutejo concluded.