Jakarta – Indonesia has issued a law governing where and when street demonstrations can be held, the official Antara news agency reported on Saturday. It said President B.J. Habibie signed the decree on freedom of expression on Friday.

Under the law, groups planning street demonstrations have to ask for police permission three days in advance if the number of demonstrators is likely to exceed 50. Demonstrations are banned in front of the presidential palace, places of worship, military installations, hospitals, harbours, airports, train stations and other transport hubs. Demonstrations are also banned on public holidays and after dusk.

Antara quoted Justice Minister Muladi as saying the law was issued because of a series of protests in recent months which often got out of control.