Jakarta. An unknown group has taken a police detective hostage in Puncak Jaya district, Papua, on Monday, a spokesman said.

"This afternoon, one of our members was taken hostage by a group of unidentified men. Right now, the Puncak Jaya Police chief and the district head are negotiating with the people from Usir village," Papua Police spokesman Chief Comr. A.M. Kamal said.

He said First Brig. Heidar was conducting an investigation with his partner, Alfonso, in Usir village when the men took him hostage. The two policemen were unarmed at the time.

"The two were on duty unarmed. So when the event occurred, they could not do anything," Kamal said, adding that the area was considered a safe location.

He added that the two policemen were known to the residents of Usir village, but gave no details on the case they were investigating.

Kamal said Alfonso immediately reported the incident to a nearby police post.

"The negotiations are ongoing; we hope our member can be released," the spokesman said.