An armed criminal group allegedly set fire to an abandoned school building in the remote highlands of Indonesia.

Footage shows flames engulfing the old Kiwirok State Middle School as thick smoke rose into the sky in Kiwirok District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua, on the morning of Monday, October 13.

Authorities said the incident was detected during surveillance by personnel from the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force and a joint patrol of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) at around 7 am local time.

Officers reported seeing seven armed individuals believed to be members of a local separatist group igniting the building.

As the patrol approached the area near Kiwirok Airport, a gunshot was reportedly heard from the direction of the fire. A brief exchange of gunfire followed between the group and security forces.

The armed individuals eventually retreated towards Kotobib Village, authorities said.

Once the area was secured, the joint military-police team visited a refugee shelter at Polobakon Village Hall to offer safety guidance to displaced residents.

Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, Head of Operation Peace Carstensz, said in a statement: 'The attack on the school is an inhumane crime. Educational facilities are where Papuan children gain knowledge and hope for their future. We will continue to monitor to ensure that incidents like this do not recur.'

Senior Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, deputy head of operations, said forces remain on high alert in Kiwirok and surrounding districts.

He added: 'We confirm that the situation at the location is under control. The Indonesian National Armed Forces and the Indonesian National Police will continue to take preventive measures and enforce the law against groups that threaten public security.'