The councilors also demanded the regent stay in office and continue his duties until the end of his term.

Bukhari resigned as Aceh Besar regent on Sept. 5 when he read out his handwritten statement in front of the heads of regency agencies assembled for a meeting, without giving further explanation.

Bukhari's move had surprised people in Aceh Besar because it was the first time, in anyone's recollection, that someone with such a good position had decided to quit.

"As far as I know, it is the first time in Aceh Besar, perhaps even in Indonesia, that a regent decided to relinquish his position," said Hasbi Abdulah, a resident of Lam Dingin Banda Aceh on Sunday.

"Of course, this rare occurrence has surprised us."

Bukhari and running mate Anwar Ahmad won the direct regency election in Aceh Besar on Dec. 11, 2006. The pair were sworn in as regent and vice regent by Aceh Governor Irwandi Yusuf on March 1, 2007.

In order to have a clear explanation as to why Bukhari had quit, the Aceh Besar DPRK held a meeting in the council's office building in regency capital Jantho on Saturday.

"We need to know the exact reason why Regent Bukhari decided to resign," Council Speaker Mussanif said.

However, until the end of the meeting, Bukhari was not straightforward in revealing his motives.

According to councilors, the regent just gave simple explanations. DPRK did not receive any other information during the meeting.

"He did not explain specifically about his reasons for resigning," Musanni said.

"Actually we had hoped he would clearly disclose his reasons and be honest with us and his constituency."

Bukhari's explanation was written on three-and-a-half pieces of quarto-sized paper and was read out in front of the councilors.

The regent cited regulations which allowed for it, saying it was common for public officials to resign.

"Having served as a regent for 18 months, I feel this position has become the source of all my pains -- both to my body and to my soul," Bukhari wrote.

"My soul is so depressed when facing the bureaucracy and it is against my conscience."

He also said he faced bureaucratic pressures causing mental disorders such as depression and difficulty in concentrating.

Another reason cited was the "unhealthy political climate in Aceh Besar".

The councilors, however, rejected Bukhari's reasons as weak and urged him to finish his term.

"We found no strong reasons for Regent Bukhari's resignation. If you want more just contact him," Council Deputy Speaker Mawardi Ali told The Jakarta Post.

Outside the building, hundreds of university students staged a rally expressing their desire that Bukhari stay and finish his term.

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