Bangkinang – The Kampar regency council decided in a crucial plenary meeting here on Saturday to fire regent Jefri Noer and deputy regent A. Zakir, who were elected for the 2001-2006 period.

The plenary meeting was held in response to mounting protests by thousands of teachers and students in the regency who demanded that Jefri resign.

Two factions, the Daulah Ummah and the Indonesian Military, suggested the two figures approach the community to ask for forgiveness, rather than resigning, Antara reported.

The protests began when the regent held a meeting with educators. A local principal had questioned the regent on the low education budget.

Despite the council's decision, Jefri Noer said that nothing had changed. He claimed he was still the regent of Kampar. "This is just a proposal. There is a long procedure before the Minister of Affairs Hari Subarno can fire me," he told El Shinta radio on Saturday afternoon.