Sudden Chaos in Jakarta’s Jail: Six Lives Lost in a Shoot‑Out
On a brisk morning in May 2018, what began as a routine day at Jakarta’s high‑security prison turned into a tragic showdown. Six people, including police and inmates, were claimed by gunfire in a fierce clash on the Jakarta outskirts.
Who’s Involved?
- Police: An officer from the Mobile Police Brigade (Brimob) headquarters in Depok was among those wounded.
- Other Officials: A National Agency for Combating Terrorism (BNPT) crew also fell victim.
- Inmates: Islamist militants were at the heart of the conflict.
The Eyewitness Accounts
Both a pistol‑chilling police officer in the jail and a BNPT official confirmed the grim tally: six fatalities. The exact numbers were shared in hushed tones by security sources demanding privacy amid the chaos.
Why the Silence?
National Police chief Muhammad Iqbal kept his lips tight. He cited ongoing talks with the prisoners as the reason for withholding specifics. “We’re in the middle of negotiations,” Iqbal told reporters, implying the situation was still teetering on a knife’s edge.
Quick Takeaway
This incident reminds us that prisons can become theaters of violence when tensions ignite. Six lives, tragically cut short, underscore how fragile peace can become when dialogue breaks down.
