99 Tanjung Gusta Convicts Still at Large: Ministry

Medan, N Sumatra (Antara) - At least 99 of 212 convicts who fled Tanjung Gusta Penitentiary in Medan, North Sumatra, following a riot at the prison on July 11 are still at large. "A total of 113 prisoners are being held in custody after the riot," said Chief of Penitentiary Division at the North Sumatra Law and Human Rights Ministry Office Amran Silalahi here on Sunday. According to Silalahi, the 113 prisoners consisted of those arrested by police and those surrendering to the prison. "The security agencies and Medan penitentiary officers have launched a manhunt for the 99 escaping prisoners," Silalahi said. He expected the local people who know about the hideouts of the escaping inmates to immediately report them to the police and the prison. As such, the police officers can immediately arrest the escaping prisoners, he said. He said the people's role in helping police recapture the prisoners is badly needed. "They can provide information about the prisoners who have escaped," Silalahi said. A total of 118 inmates who provoked rioting by setting fire to the building have been transferred to a number of penitentiaries and detention centers in North Sumatra and Java. At least 18 of the 118 prisoners have been removed to the heavily-guarded Nusakambangan prison on Kambangan island off the coast of Cilacap, Central Java, while 100 others have been sent to correctional facilities in North Sumatra. (*)