Jakarta – The Indonesian government Tuesday abandoned a proposed law to control protests and demonstrations that critics had said would curb newfound freedom of expression following the end of the authoritarian Suharto regime.

Armed forces commander and Defense Minister Gen. Wiranto announced the withdrawal of the controversial bill at a session of the 500-member Parliament.

The proposed law would have placed limits on the size and scope of demonstrations, rallies and public gatherings outside the presidential palace in Jakarta as well as places of worship and military installations across the nation. It had demanded that organizers of rallies with more than 100 participants obtain prior written permission from the police before staging a protest.

Pro-democracy activists had called on legislators to reject the bill after it was put forward by Suharto's successor President B.J. Habibie. Critics say it contradicted repeated claims by Habibie that he wants to introduce greater democratic freedom and human rights.

Habibie came to power in May after Suharto resigned amid riots and protests over his 32-year authoritarian rule. About 1,200 people were killed in the violence. Since then Habibie himself has been targeted by a series of protests over the worst economic crisis in 30 years. Wiranto said the government will soon submit an alternative bill that he said would protect freedom of expression while guaranteeing law and order.