Operation Peaceful Cartenz task force apprehends escaped prisoner and armed criminal group member in Dekai

Jayapura — The Operation Peaceful Cartenz (ODC) task force has apprehended Ferly Wesabla, alias Ferlin, aged 22, an escaped prisoner and member of an armed criminal group (KKB) in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua.

Ferly, who had escaped from Wamena Penitentiary since 25 February 2025, was captured on Monday afternoon (16 March) in the vicinity of the Yahukimo Regional Administration housing estate in Dekai.

According to Kombes Yusuf Sutejo, spokesman for the ODC task force, at a press statement in Jayapura on Tuesday, the suspect attempted to flee and hide in bushes near the location when approached for detention, but was apprehended following a pursuit.

Escaped prisoner Ferly Wesabla is one of six inmates who fled from Wamena Class IIB Penitentiary and is affiliated with the Kodap XVI Yahukimo armed criminal group, Yalennang Battalion.

“Prisoner Fery was involved in the case of the murder of a Yahukimo Police District officer, Brigadier Oktovianus Buara, in 2024,” stated Kombes Yusuf.

He noted that other prisoners who also escaped from Wamena Penitentiary alongside Fery include Penias Heluka, alias Kopi Tua, who is a leader of the Yahukimo armed criminal group.

The other escapees are Nelis Helika bin Hendrik Heluka, Rio Elopere bin Jani Elopere, Ariel Sonyap alias Simon Sonyap, Segius Asso and Welinton Kogoya alias Ula.

“However, prisoner Welinton Kogoya alias Ula was apprehended shortly afterwards whilst still in the vicinity of the penitentiary,” stated Kombes Yusuf.