Jakarta – As the Mentawai Islands continue to struggle to deal with the loss of life and emergency response in the wake of the tsunami disaster, West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno has departed for Europe for unclear reasons.

Irman Gusman, head of Regional Representatives Council (DPD), confirmed on Wednesday that Irwan, a politician from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), had left Indonesia and was en route to Germany.

"The recent psychological condition of the people requires the governor to be present," Irman was quoted by news portal Kompas.com as saying. Irman, also from West Sumatra, added that he had last communicated with Irwan during his stopover in Dubai, UAE.

Irman said he could not stop the governor from leaving the disaster-struck province because he only discovered his intentions this morning. "Maybe if I had found out about the plan three days ago, I could have asked him to not leave West Sumatra."

The Jakarta Globe's calls to Irwan's offices and official residence went unanswered on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Irwan apologized on his Facebook page for his inability to respond to messages.

"I'm sorry for all the unanswered messages, responses, suggestions and criticisms. My activities in carrying out the God-given duty has made me lose weight and I have had no chance to log on Facebook," he said.

Meanwhile, on his Web site, he called on the volunteers helping the tsunami victims not to "push themselves". "The volunteers must prioritize their safety first. Don't push yourselves to go out into the field if the weather is not conducive," he said.