Indonesian authorities say they have regained control after protesters set fire to a local parliament building in the eastern province of West Papua.

Axar.az reports citing BBC.

Businesses, trees and vehicles were also damaged in the unrest in the capital Manokwari.

Violence broke out on Monday over claims of racism toward Papuan students elsewhere in Indonesia.

Comprising what are now Papua and West Papua provinces, Papua became part of Indonesia controversially in the 1960s.

The former Dutch colony declared itself independent in 1961 but its larger western neighbour later took control.

A referendum on its independence was then held in 1969. Though it was overseen by the United Nations, many consider the vote flawed because only slightly more than 1,000 people were allowed to take part.

A separatist movement continues to this day and Indonesian authorities have faced allegations of human rights abuses in the region.