A Catholic teacher in Indonesia has been killed after a separatist group attacked a school.

According to police, the incident took place on 21st March in Anggruk district, Yahukimo Regency, when members of the National Liberation Army of the Free Papua Organisation, ambushed a group of teachers and health workers.

The victim, 30-year-old Rosalia Rerek Sogen from the Diocese of Larantuka, was killed during the raid, as reported by CRUX. Meanwhile, seven others, including teachers and health workers, were severely injured.

The separatist group also set fire to a classroom and a teachers' dormitory after their demands for money were not met.

It justified the violence by claiming that the teachers and health workers were actually undercover military personnel.

Bishop Yanuarius Teofilus Matopai You of Jayapura issued a statement condemning the ongoing conflict in Papua, which has lasted for over six decades.

He said: "The Catholic Church strongly condemns this violence as a violation of human rights and the Church emphasises the importance of a peaceful dialogue between Jakarta and Papua to end the cycle of violence that brings only suffering.

"The Church calls for collaboration between the government, customary leaders, and religious communities for a solution that is humane and rooted in love, justice, and peace."

Indonesia’s Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, also expressed his condolences over Sogen’s death and called for an end to violence, particularly against educational personnel serving in remote regions of Indonesia.