The independent Papuan separatist organization in Indonesia has again carried out acts of terror, burning down school buildings, children cannot go to school.

The Free Papua Organization (OPM) burned down the Okbab State Middle School building in Bintang Mountains Regency, Papua Mountains. TNI soldiers also chased the arsonist.

"The OPM gang launched their action again by burning down the school building," said Head of Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, Lieutenant Colonel Infantry, Candra Kurniawan on Tuesday, July 16 2024.

The burning occurred in Borban Village, Okbab District, Bintang Mountains Regency, Friday 12 July 2024 at around 11.30 East Indonesian time (local time). The perpetrators fled after setting the fire.

"The security forces are currently chasing the OPM gang who burned the school, because after setting the fire they ran away," he said.

Candra said that the OPM's action was very unfortunate for local residents. He said local children could not go to school because of OPM's actions.

It is known that in the current period 2023 to 2024, this Armed Criminal Group has carried out acts of terror in Papua by burning down 12 school buildings since. Most terror was carried out in elementary school (SD) buildings with 6 cases.

"There were 12 recorded acts of burning schools from 2023 to 2024 carried out by them," said the Head of the Cartenz-2024 Peace Operation Public Relations task force, Police Commissioner Bayu Suseno in his statement, on Tuesday 16 July 2024.

Bayu said there would be 7 cases of burning of school buildings in 2023 which occurred in 4 districts. The four districts include Puncak, Yahukimo, Bintang Mountains and Papua Mountains.