Armed detainees engage in hostile takeover of Indonesian high security prison
(GV) – A prison riot involving forty convicted terrorists is currently unfolding in Depok, a West Javan city adjacent to the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.
The riot began on Tuesday evening local time at Mobile Brigade Command Headquarters (Mako Brimob), a high security prison whose inmates include those convicted of terrorism.
According to official reports, a standoff occurred as a result of a simple misunderstanding over food between one inmate and a member of Densus 88, Indonesia’s counter-terrorism squad. The situation escalated quickly as the inmate incited others to action, took officers hostage, and managed to access the prison’s arms reserves.
Five Densus 88 officers were reported dead, while one was released after being taken hostage for more than 24 hours.
Detainees’ questionable motives
Through its propaganda outlet, the group ISIS claimed involvement in the incident. The Indonesian police have denied the group’s claim.
Most of the detainees belonged to JAD, a group designated terrorist by the US government.
Analyst Sydney Jones from the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflicts (IPAC) was quoted as saying that pro-ISIS detainees have constantly caused trouble at the high security prison.
According to Indonesian terrorism analyst Al Chaidar, the riot wasn’t premeditated, but the motive could be vengeance against the authorities, who raided cells to conviscate smuggled mobile phones and copies of the Koran.
Hashtag solidarity on Twitter
On Twitter, Indonesians are using the hashtag #KamiBersamaPolri (We’re supporting the National Police) to send condolences to the relatives of the fallen officers and encourage the nation to stand firm against terrorism.
Twips, istri alm Iptu Yudi, salah satu polisi yang gugur, sedang hamil 9 bulan. Mari kita doakan mereka sekeluarga. #KamiBersamaPolri
— Alissa Wahid (@AlissaWahid) May 9, 2018
Tweeps, the wife of First Lieutenant Yudi, who died in line of duty, is nine months pregnant. Let’s pray for their family.
To whom it may concern.#KamiBersamaPOLRI #KamiBersamaPolisi pic.twitter.com/gXFWBcXC8G
— ᅠ (@AhlulQohwah) May 9, 2018
Our condolences to the five police martyrs. Thank you for dedicating your lives for this nation.
#KamiBersamaPolri memberantas terorisme. Negara tidak boleh kalah. Terorisme musuh kemanusiaan! pic.twitter.com/Ybu0a0XGbK
— IG: ulinyusron (@ulinyusron) May 9, 2018
We support the police in fighting terrorism. The state shouldn’t be defeated. Terrorism is a crime against humanity.
Image Source: AK Rockefeller, Flickr, Creative Commons
Media access is limited as negotiations and tactical actions are still underway.
Originally published on Global Voices Written by Juke Carolina
