Edi surrendered at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday and security personnel took him to Gorontalo Police headquarter for questioning. Police also plan to question him in regard to other inmates that may have helped to provoke the riot, Gorontalo Police chief Brig. Gen. Hengkie Kaluara said on Wednesday.

"Police have placed 50 armed personnel inside the prison to help with security," he said.

The riot, according to Hengkie, broke out on Tuesday evening when Second. Brig. Mohammad Kurniawan Noho, of Limboto Police precinct came to the prison, escorting 20 new inmates after trials at the Limboto District Court on Tuesday afternoon with Second. Brig. R. S Nikmati.

As Kurniawan was entering the second gate of the prison he bumped into Edi. The two men are alleged to have argued and Kurniawan is said to have then been attacked by Edi and 10 other inmates.

Kurniawan sustained stab wounds to his thighs and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The incident incited a riot and, with prisoners running amok, prison authorities chose to leave the prison to save themselves.

To regain control of the prison, Gorontalo Police, supported by three additional police precincts, deployed 400 armed police officers and tactical teams.

As police arrived, inmates are alleged to have thrown stones, and wayer (traditional arrows) from behind the prison walls. Police retaliated, firing tear gas at the prisoners.

There are currently 700 inmates detained at Gorontalo penitentiary, double its 300 inmate capacity.

Following Edi’s surrender, Police searched the prison and confiscated 111 blunt objects and 348 sharp weapons. (rin)

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